It Was the One Armed Man, I Swear
Wired News is running an Interesting Article on identity brokers and the misinformation they sell. Identity thefts at ChoicePoint and Bank of America have brought the issue to media headlines across the country. Since my own Social Security card was stolen, its something of a personal issue for me to.
I have a few recomendations for reforming the Identity Industry:
Right To Know
Any credit agency, background broker, or other data collection agency should be required to make available the information they collect to the individual they collect the information about, for free, anytime, anywhere. If that is too much of a burden on their business model, they can get out of the business. Essentially, many of these businesses blackmail consumers into buying their own background reports to check for inaccuracies.
Who Know's What
Data providers should also have to report who has requested the information about an individual to the individual. As it stands, employers or credit granting institutions can turn individuals down without even telling them why; if an individual can see who has accessed their reports, then they will have a better understanding of why they were turned down-- and possibly be made aware of false information.
Make 'em Get It Right
Data brokers should be held accountable. If they include any false information in their reports, data brokers and credit agencies should be liable under libel and defamation laws. Consumers should have the right to sue the bastards for reporting false information. As it stands now, getting agencies to correct inaccurate information is a hassle.
Report All Thefts
Only California requires data brokers report thefts of data, and thankfully the ChoicePoint security breach included Californians otherwise no one would have known. Mandatory letters and phone calls alerting consumers of possible breaches can help keep people aware of potential threats.
I have a few recomendations for reforming the Identity Industry:
Right To Know
Any credit agency, background broker, or other data collection agency should be required to make available the information they collect to the individual they collect the information about, for free, anytime, anywhere. If that is too much of a burden on their business model, they can get out of the business. Essentially, many of these businesses blackmail consumers into buying their own background reports to check for inaccuracies.
Who Know's What
Data providers should also have to report who has requested the information about an individual to the individual. As it stands, employers or credit granting institutions can turn individuals down without even telling them why; if an individual can see who has accessed their reports, then they will have a better understanding of why they were turned down-- and possibly be made aware of false information.
Make 'em Get It Right
Data brokers should be held accountable. If they include any false information in their reports, data brokers and credit agencies should be liable under libel and defamation laws. Consumers should have the right to sue the bastards for reporting false information. As it stands now, getting agencies to correct inaccurate information is a hassle.
Report All Thefts
Only California requires data brokers report thefts of data, and thankfully the ChoicePoint security breach included Californians otherwise no one would have known. Mandatory letters and phone calls alerting consumers of possible breaches can help keep people aware of potential threats.
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