In 1997, the German Post issued a postal matter asking postal customers to provide their full address, including all their cohabitants. At the same time, they were asked to allow to pass on this information to postal customers. The reason given by the post office was the often incomplete information on recipient addresses and the resulting difficulties in delivery. Although it was pointed out that the ask was in line with data protection regulations, the postal matter was withdrawn after a few days due to a violation of the Data Protection Act.