I'm in the US where these credit reporting companies are and "identity theft" is a big fear. Is there a similar problem in Europe? For example do you see ads on TV and the internet for insurance against "identity theft"? Things do drop off your credit report in the US, even bankruptcy after 7 or 10 years, so people do have a general idea that some past mistakes should not haunt you forever. But never get a felony in the US. You will truly discriminated against for life.