There's been a mixed response from Jersey residents to a government plan that will automatically share their personal data with UK credit reference agencies, unless they specifically opt out. The policy, effective July 30, aims to make it easier for islanders to get credit cards by sharing names, addresses, and dates of birth.

Eilidh Bell, 21, is all for it: "For me it's definitely a good thing because I'm just starting my professional career." But Mark de Gruchy isn't thrilled, calling it an "opt-in situation" and worrying about "too much information being shared these days."

Carl Walker from the Consumer Council, who flagged the credit card access problem back in 2020, said his "initial response is one of relief." He reassured the nervous that credit reference agencies "are at a different level to a standard company" and operate under "extremely tight rules."

Sarah Jackson, a coffee and pizza shop worker, hopes it'll boost local spending: "Anything that can help bring money into the island is always important." She added, "As long as everything's regulated and you've chosen exactly what data you want shared, it's fine."

To opt out, email customerservice@gov.je with subject "OPT OUT" plus your name, address, and date of birth, or call 01534 444444 and select option 6. Because nothing says "I don't want my data shared" like giving them more data.