Privacy Law Question (Vanity)

1/14/03 | ArGee

[ArGee]

Please forgive this attempt to get some free legal advice.

An organization here in PA has published our address and phone number in a directory. We had checked a box on a form saying we did not want our information published, but they apparently did not keep that form (from anyone) - they took personal information from another form. When I called and asked that they immediately stop publishing the directory with our information they initially refused. After some discussion they finally acquiesced. Note that the directories are labelled "Confidential" at the top of each page. Also note that the directories are available in the lobby to anyone who wants to pick one up.

I have two questions:

1. Is there any federal or PA law that restricts an organization from publishing your personal information once you have requested that it not be published?
2. Is there any federal or PA law that restricts an organization from publishing your personal inforamation until they have received implicit or explicit permission to publish?

Thanks in advance,
ArGee

[goldstategop]

No business can ask data from you without your permission. And sending business offerings without express permission online may not be illegal but its unethical. The spammers don't have a good reputation, not merely because of the wares the hawk, but because they can't respect customers' wishes to left alone unless they're truly interested in buying a product or service.

[Mo1]

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Thanks Registered

[ArGee]

No business can ask data from you without your permission.

Thanks.

What if they got the data from me with my permission, but published it in a directory without my permission? Even more to the point, what if they published it against my express wishes?

Shalom.

[drjimmy]

No business can ask data from you without your permission.
That particular statement is illogical on its face. Unless you don't open your snail mail or e-mail, or answer the telephone, they can ask you any question they want. You obviously then have the right to not answer those questions by not responding.

As to the question about whether it is against state or federal law to publish personal information, I would guess it depends upon the personal information being published. I would be surprised if publishing your name and telephone number is against any law, whether you give permission or not.