BrewDog Founder Faces Data Privacy Probe | London News

BrewDog founder James Watt is under fire from the UK’s data privacy watchdog after sending emails to former investors—known as “equity punks”—about his plan to buy back the company. The move follows BrewDog’s March sale for £33 million, which rendered over 200,000 investors’ shares worthless. Watt’s new venture, Second Best, offers those same stakes for free. While he claims legal advice justified the email campaign and data was lawfully obtained, he hasn’t explained how he acquired the contact info. The Information Commissioner’s Office is now reviewing complaints, with the power to fine or mandate changes if a breach is found. Current owner Tilray insists they didn’t acquire shareholder data and have no role in Watt’s new venture, emphasizing their strict data privacy policies. Legal experts are questioning the legality of the campaign’s targeting, and while no breach has been confirmed, the case could set a critical precedent for data privacy and shareholder rights in corporate restructurings. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/dc0501cb605ee917