A Surprising Fact on Public Record Accessibility
Author: Nikunj M Patel
Author: Nikunj M Patel
A US senator once conducted an experiment on just how much private information is accessible over the Internet. So, he instructed one of his staffs to steal his identity over the Internet. It turned out that his staff learned a lot more about his boss over the web compared to the years he has spent with him in work. He reported that the senators social security number information that should never be available online, could be accessed for $65.
A group of students from John Hopkins University also made a related experiment. They gathered every bit and piece of data they could on the citizens of Baltimore and linked together all their collected databases. The result? A huge pool of data that could provide you with loads of information on a certain subject-all in just one search. All these were done with less than $50.
Just imagine your whole life history for the taking available to anyone can spare a few dollars.
This experiment shows the system of most large database companies. Recently, two database companies have been called in by Congress to explain their system of data gathering after being victimized by identity thefts. Nowadays, concerns on public records and privacy issues are starting to emerge.
Other experiments done by John Hopkins University also revealed how easily anyone can obtain whole databases from government institutions. Fortunately, only a few social security numbers were found, it is still a question if irrelevant information such as job histories and property details on a certain person could be equally damaging.
It is amazing and frightening how online databases can provide you with precise and accurate information. This fact practically makes the Internet a gold mine for identity thefts.
How did all these pieces of information wind up in the net? As it turned out, information you put in for routine transactions are usually consolidated into one single database. This information is turned into public records accessible to anyone who would care to look for it.
Other people who utilize public records in their businesses seem to favor the transfer of information from government agencies to the Internet. But privacy advocates think the contrary. Primary identifiers such as social security numbers and copies of signature are starting to become available over the Internet. This would make it especially convenient for stalkers and identity thefts.
In response to this growing concern, a bill is now drafted before the Texas Legislature that will soon prohibit any display and transfer of records filed within government institutions. The Bill introduced by Representative Carl Isett was approved last May 3 but unfortunately did not reach the deadline for a House vote.
Still, there are some people who view transparency of records as a sign of honesty.
Either way, a compromise has to be reached between the public need for access to public records and the protection of privacy rights.
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Jemar Wright Article Author in
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