Changing details by email.

"For the security and protection of your details we are unable to deal with your change of address by e-mail. You can provide the information either by contacting us on [....] or you can write to us at [...]"
Because phoning and writing are so much more secure.
Am I missing something here, or is this just standard bureaucratic nonsense that is perpetuated because no one with the power to change things looks at the rationale behind these decisions?
Sylvia.