Online opt-out for UK data scheme as deadline nears

Jersey residents have less than a week to opt out if they do not want their personal details shared with UK credit reference agencies - but can now do so online.

From 30 July, the Government of Jersey will begin sharing basic information including names, addresses and dates of birth, with credit reference companies Experian and Equifax.

The government said the move was designed to help islanders access financial products, such as credit cards and loans, more easily.

Those who do not want their information shared must opt out by 29 July and can now do so through their account or by phone. Residents could previously only opt out by calling.

Islanders who are happy for their information to be shared do not need to take any action.

The move follows years of complaints from residents who said they struggled to obtain some UK credit cards because lenders were unable to verify their details in the same way as UK residents.

The Jersey Consumer Council has campaigned on the issue since 2020.

The government said sharing the data would help banks and other lenders verify the identities of Jersey residents more quickly, reducing delays and manual checks when people apply for financial products.

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