Access

This page considers access by individuals and organisations to information about them that has been compiled or marketed by data traders.

It covers -

• introduction
• out of sight, out of mind?
• access to the panoptic sort

     introduction

Preceding pages of this note have highlighted the pervasive nature of data trading and problems regarding the accuracy or misuse of that data.

In considering data trading we can ask questions that reflect those challenges. Do consumers own information about themselves? Can they readily access information compiled by commercial entities? Can they amend inaccurate information, particularly in instances where the information directly affects their quality of life (eg access to personal finance or to health insurance)?

     out of sight, out of mind

Consumers rarely own much of the information about themselves.

Are there statutory rights of access?

National and provincial Freedom of Information law typically covers some government agencies (in most jurisdictions particular agencies are excluded from FOI) and features substantial exceptions. It is concerned with public sector activity and does not cover private sector entities, including commercial enterprises and not-for-profit organisations. It is restricted to the relevant jurisdiction. FOI thus does not provide a statutory right of access to information compiled by a nongovernment entity.

     access to the panoptic sort

Some theorists have embraced notions of information equity, suggesting that some concerns will evaporate if we have ready access to information about each other.

In 2001 for example direct mail database giant infoUSA announced release of its "leading Business Credit Ratings CD-ROM" through retailers across the US. The disk, promoted as featuring credit ratings on 14 million businesses, had a retail price of US$9.95.

infoUSA boasted that

In addition to credit rating, the product contains company name, full address, phone number and fax number for each business listed. The CD-ROM also contains an embedded link to purchase, online, full business credit reports for $3 each. Full business credit reports contain additional valuable information, including key executive names, years in business, web site address, SIC codes, number of employees, sales volume, names of nearby competitors, pictures of the business (where available), and public record information (such as liens, judgements and lawsuits), as well as pertinent news headlines.

     next page  (regulation)