What is the legality of ‘Freeman on the Land’, and similar ideologies?

Freeman on the Land & Similar Movements

Some individuals align with ideologies like ‘Freeman on the Land’, ‘Strawman’, or ‘Sovereign Citizen’, which claim people can opt out of laws and obligations (e.g. taxes or debts) they did not consent to by invoking historical legal doctrine such as Magna Carta. However, these ideologies have no legal standing and do not exempt individuals from UK data protection laws. 

Legitimate Interest & Data Processing

Under UK GDPR, legitimate interest is a lawful basis for processing personal data without the individual having provided their consent, provided the processing serves a genuine purpose and does not override the individual's rights. Credit reference agencies rely on this lawful basis when sharing data with lenders, insurers, and others. TransUnion conducts Legitimate Interest Assessments (LIAs) to ensure its processing is necessary, minimally intrusive, and within reasonable expectations. 

For full details on how we use data, and our lawful bases, please refer to Credit Reference Agency Information Notice (CRAIN). 
 
Common Misconceptions with No Legal Basis

The following claims do not override lawful data processing: 

• Pseudo-legal theories (e.g. freeman on the land, strawman, living man/woman and ‘I, X of the family Y’)

• Lack of consent or contract with TransUnion 

• ‘Lawful rebellion’

• Public declarations (e.g. Affidavit of Status, Deed Poll) 

• Registering personal information as a trade mark

• The ‘People’s peace’ 

Your Rights: Objecting or Rectifying Data

If you believe the data we hold about you is incorrect, you can contact us to raise a dispute, and we will investigate further. 

If you want us to erase your data, you'll need to give us information about how our use of your data is affecting you. Then we'll weigh up the importance of the aims we are pursuing against the effect that we're having on you. If we consider that your rights outweigh the need for us to use the data then we'll erase it; otherwise, we'll be entitled to keep it.

If you want more information about your rights in respect of your personal information, please see Your Data Rights. 

Important information about potential scams

If you are contacting us about your rights as a ‘freeman on the land’ (or other misconceptions listed above) because a company or an individual has advertised this as a method of ‘writing off’ debts or any form of credit, then please be aware that this is likely a scam. Some individuals or companies may offer unauthorised claims management services, often charging fees and making false promises, and these schemes can lead to financial loss. Fraudsters use ideals like ‘freeman on the land’, ‘strawman’ etc, to appeal to consumers who could potentially be facing financial difficulties. 

Only firms authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) are legally allowed to provide claims management services in the UK. If you believe you’ve been approached by an unauthorised person or company promoting these ideas, we strongly recommend reporting them to the FCA. You can also check the Financial Services Register and the Solicitors Register to make sure the firm is authorised for the service they are offering you.