In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

You might like to consider that the BBC also have valid reasons for knowing the postcodes of its viewers. Perhaps they want to know what programmes interest which people are in different regions so that they can tailor their services accordingly? https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc/account/why-do-i-h...

I have never, ever received marketing material from the BBC.

I notice that you require an email address when someone creates an account with you. Why? That is arguably more intrusive than a postcode, which covers several households. Of course people can use a one-off address, just as they can fake a postcode. But it seems a rather subtle distinction to me; if people actually tell the truth your requirements identify a person more certainly than the BBC's.

(Note. I've no objection to either - just to the hypocrisy of criticising the BBC for something that one does oneself. But then, the BBC is a favourite target nowadays.)

You need an email address for loads of accounts, how is think broadband going to ban people if they break rules if they don't have an account?

As for what Seb said about postcodes, he said "I have no issues with BBC asking for your postcode.. I have an issue with them requiring it."

Different thing, the BBc forces people to give a postcode, not asks.

Since the Iplayer and other stuff on the BBC is free, there should be no need for an account, the same with ITVx and other free streaming services. It is all about data and that is the problem these days, everyone wants data, including supermarkets. I tend to give as little as possible, none if i can help it

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

Yes - 9 forums.

Oh yes, that is true, I forgot about that, only The Park that needs to be registered.

Edited by zyborg47 (Fri 08-Aug-25 06:59:52)

I agree that one can always make excuses.

In reply to a post by zyborg47:

Different thing, the BBc forces people to give a postcode, not asks.

Just as several websites force you to give an email address. It’s not necessary for forums as most of them, like these ones, have a PM system for contacting members.

It’s not true that all BBC material is free. It is for us in the UK (as determined by postcode), but not in the global domain.

Of course postcodes can be faked, almost as easily as email addresses can be faked.

only The Park that needs to be registered.

The 9 forums that I mentioned all require registration. I can understand the reasoning in some cases, but “Technical Issues”, “Web Design”, and “VOIP” (to name 3) seem fairly innocuous.

In reply to a post by TinyMongomery:

I agree that one can always make excuses.

You're the one excusing unnecessary demands for postcodes, not me.

@zyborg47 "some people buy their licence from a post office still, so have no need to use their email to buy one."

Not for a long time. BBC took licence facitity from the post office which has issued it since TV began and the radio licence before that. Just as the BBC took weather from the Met Office and gave it to some European company, though now they're coming back again. Licence purchase is now farmed out to Capita (aka disrespectully known as Crapita) as far as I know.

One bit less business for our High Streets, our post office is one of only four shops remaining in our small town.

In reply to a post by Malwaremike:

One bit less business for our High Streets, our post office is one of only four shops remaining in our small town.

Post office lost DVLA and PassPort work as well, so BBC wasn't out of profile. Most DVLA and Passport work is now done using gov.uk website.

The internet changes everything, the BBC needs to get with the fact that being 103 years old, things can't stay the same. Licence fee included!

In reply to a post by jchamier:

Post office lost DVLA and PassPort work as well, so BBC wasn't out of profile.

Not quite the same, Driver's Licence and Passport renewal can still be done at a Post Office:
https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/renew-driving-...
https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/renew-adult-pa...

The same cannot be said for the TV Licence.

Of course, but does anyone... in terms of keeping a Post Office going with the services it provides.