Breaking News: Data Loss scandal takes seasonal twist

A leaked memo from Santa Claus' HQ at the North Pole tells of massive data loss this Yuletide, Capricorication can reveal.
Details of over a billion children across the globe, on two pieces of parchment, affectionately known as Santa's 'naughty' and 'nice' lists, went missing from Santa's sled, sometime between 2am, and 4 am (GMT), this morning.

The lists contain the names and addresses of every child on Earth (as of 25th December 2007), and industry experts say that the lists could be worth in excess of £1.5bn ($2.98bn) on the black market.

However, police officials say that there is no reason to believe that the data may used for malicious purposes, and warn the public to be "cautious, but enjoy the holiday season."

Some identity fraud experts are already calling the news 'disgraceful', and one source, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Capricorication, "Santa's abuse of data has been documented throughout history. He routinely collects data of children, without warning or notification, and there is no clear way to opt out of the service."

An early press release from Santa Claus' HQ this morning, said that Santa will continue on his round trip delivering presents as normal, and will release an official statement regarding the data loss on Boxing Day, after consulting his Chief Elf.