The MLP’s IT spokesman Leo Brincat said that when originally reviewing fees, government had once again steam-rollered over everyone concerned without any consultation whatsoever.

Mr Brincat said: “Government has been forced to make a U-turn due to the uncertainty and confusion it created. In fact, the Data Protection Commission has issued refunds to those companies who have already paid the new fees.”

He said that at a time when government has hankered about reducing red-tape, the administration should think before acting and consult others before implementing decisions that will affect Maltese and Gozitan businesses.