Information Commissioner Richard Thomas faces a grilling from MPs this afternoon when he gives evidence to the Justice Committee.

The committee is looking at the protection of private data in the light of recent failures by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and other government departments.

The timing could be better. Thomas recently warned the UK public to be careful what information they divulge online, but today's Telegraph revealed it found enough information on the civil servant to copy his identity.

The paper is reticent about what exactly it found, but said it has "20 key pieces of information about Mr Thomas and his family".

Daily Telegraph reporters are clearly good value - the paper reveals the searches took one hour and cost just 35p.

We'll have more on the committee hearing as we get it - the hearing begins at 4.15pm. ®

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