Raw directory information meaning

Raw directory information describes the customer listing data held by an individual electronic communications provider at source—for example a subscriber’s name, service number, service/billing address and directory listing preferences (including ex-directory/withhold settings). It is the provider’s own dataset, captured during service provisioning and account management, used to support subscriber directories and directory enquiries. The expression is descriptive and not a defined statutory term. It is distinct from aggregated directory information compiled from multiple providers into central or “core” databases supplied to directory service providers after cleansing, standardisation and deduplication. Legally, raw directory information is personal data. Its collection and disclosure are governed by data protection law (UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018; the GDPR as applied in Ireland) and e‑privacy rules on subscriber directories (in the UK, PECR regulation 18 and Ofcom General Condition C6; in Ireland, the ePrivacy Regulations with ComReg oversight). Providers must ensure accuracy, respect subscribers’ inclusion/withhold choices, and share only on a lawful basis under appropriate data‑sharing controls. Usage and regulatory approach are broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, though the specific legislative instruments and regulators differ as noted.