Brewdog founder embroiled in GDPR complaints over investor emails

BrewDog founder James Watt is the subject of numerous data protection complaints submitted to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) following his unexpected bid to buy back the company.

Earlier this year, the debt-laden brewer was sold to a US firm, Tilray, for £33 million, leaving the shares of more than 200,000 crowdfunding investors worthless. Watt recently announced a plan to regain control of the company alongside 43,000 of these shareholders, known as equity punks, via a new venture called Second Best. The proposal involved emailing thousands of investors to offer them equivalent free stakes in the new company.

However, several recipients raised concerns about potential breaches of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as they did not understand how Watt obtained their contact information. Watt has denied any wrongdoing, stating the communication used lawfully obtained data and was sent following legal advice in connection with the legitimate interests of the shareholders.

According to the article, the ICO is now considerring the complaints and whether to take action. 

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