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Fri, 17 Jul 2026

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 Brewdog founder faces data complaints over efforts to buy back firm

The UK data watchdog has received complaints after James Watt reportedly contacted former shareholders.

* The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is investigating James Watt for reportedly contacting former shareholders in an attempt to buy back Brewdog, raising concerns about a potential breach of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
* External sources have reported that some shareholders contacted by Watt said they did not understand how he had their contact details.
* Tilray, the current owner of Brewdog, has denied any involvement in the matter and stated that they did not acquire Equity for Punk shareholder data as part of their acquisition.
* Tilray's spokesman emphasized that they take data privacy "with the utmost seriousness" and have no involvement with James Watt's business activities, including his new company Second Best.