chron.com , 2/1/2008

© 2008 The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — British credit agency Experian PLC hired DLA Piper US LLP to lobby the federal government, according to a recent disclosure form.

The firm will lobby the U.S. government on legislative and regulatory issues related to information services and privacy, according to the form posted online Dec. 4 by the Senate's public records office.

Thomas Boyd, who is among those registered to lobby for the company, was appointed by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to serve a three-year term on the department's data-privacy advisory committee.

Lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches, under a federal law enacted in 1995. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.

Experian is based in London.