Italian authorities were forced to close down a government website which showed millions of tax declarations, after a storm of protests.
The tax agency, part of the finance ministry, opened up access to the website yesterday morning saying it was part of an official effort to increase "transparency".
The site was found by a citizens' group, rumours about its existence spread on the Internet and soon it was jammed by people trying to look up the 2005 declarations of neighbours and the rich and famous.
But tax authorities decided to close down the site late last night following an emergency meeting caused by protests over the release of the details.
"It's madness," said Beppe Grillo, a comedian and government critic, whose financial affairs were among those listed. He said the "imbeciles" in the government had "given criminals information about the income and address of tax payers," Ansa news agency reported.
Consumer groups were divided over the move. Some praised the "act of democratic transparency" while others said it had been "shameful", the national news agency said.