Much talk but no clarity on data protection

SIR – The new General Data Protection Regulation laws came into effect yesterday. One of the basic requirements of the new rules is that there is no longer the assumption people want their data kept. Organisations now have to ask people specifically to opt in, rather than making them opt out.

However, the vast majority of companies that hold my information have not even contacted me yet – and two large companies that have done so do not seem to be adhering to the new laws.

I have had emails from an upmarket supermarket and a high street coffee chain saying they’ve updated their privacy policy, which they’ve sent me to read. These amount to thousands of words, but nowhere can I find a request for my permission to keep my data – or even a link to opt out. Barbara Bestwick

Chinnor, Oxfordshire SIR – I wonder whether anybody has calculated the cost of implementing GDPR. Never has so much time been spent for so little reward. Michael Mcgough

Loughton, Essex

SIR – In the past I have always found that people can’t wait for me to leave the party. In the past few days, however, I have received hundreds of messages begging me to stay.

It makes me so happy. George Bastin

Stroud, Gloucestershire

SIR – Under the strictest interpretation of the new data protection rules, we Catholics will not be allowed to pray for the dead without their permission.

Will someone in authority please inform us of the correct procedure for obtaining this permission? Michael Brotherton

Chippenham, Wiltshire