DOHA: Qatari consumers are worried about alleged sharing of their personal information by shopping malls and commercial outlets with strangers without their consent.
Using information shared by them with these outlets with strangers are intruding into their privacy, including their health status and financial data.
The phenomenon experts describe as “online tracking” and “behavioural profiling” has increasingly becoming a menace in Qatar, reports Al Sharq.
Prominent Qataris and legal experts stressed that authorities should tighten regulations against those invading people’s privacy. They also asked citizens and expatriates to be cautious while sharing personal information with malls and other outlets.
Some cases of privacy violations are shocking. For example, a Qatari, who underwent treatment at a hospital recently, received a call from a stranger while he was recuperating at home.
He was appalled to hear from the caller that she knew even the minute details of his health problem and treatment he had undergone.
“I received the call from a lady who claimed that she represented a company involved a medical survey. She wanted some details on the cardiac arrest I had suffered a few weeks ago. I was surprised to see her reveal details of my ailment and the treatment I underwent,” Al Sharq quoted him as saying.
“I am sure either she or the company she represents was privy to my medical file,” said the Qatari, who didn’t want to disclose his name.
“Callers reach out to you in different ways. Sometimes a caller tells you that his or her queries are part of their survey and go to the extent of asking personal questions such as details of family members, their income, favourite shopping destinations and how you prefer to spend weekends. These calls are suspicious and annoying,” said another national.
The callers are armed with your details, including your e-mails, direct phone numbers, location of where you live, your profession and even the position you hold in your office and the restaurants you frequent. Shopping malls are the key sources of these unsolicited calls. Most of these malls are collecting consumers’ phone numbers and basic details promising to alert them about the upcoming promotions. Those participating in shopping malls’ bumper draws are another set of victims.
Said Tariq Omar Al Susulaiti: “I do not mind people calling me if they are really looking for my feedback on certain issues. But it’s embarrassing to realise that these people have got all personal details of me and my family members. This is a clear case of violation of my privacy. I have the right to protect my privacy”.
Leading Qatari lawyer Yousef Al Zaman said Qatari law protects the privacy and personal information of nationals as well as expatriates. The law clearly warns of criminal proceedings against those who intrude into others’ privacy. Personal data and privacy is protected by the law.
Fatima Al Ghassal, another victim of frequent unsolicited calls said she takes objection to receiving calls from strangers, who ask for personal details. “Most of the calls I receive are from insurance companies, automobile and commercial plazas. The callers fail to understand that my culture and tradition prevent me from sharing information that they
often seek.
The Peninsula
