The “Shine the Light” law passed in California in 2005 requires all businesses to tell customers who they sell their private data to, and to provide a no-cost way to remove your name, address, and phone number from their lists. Unfortunately, it’s not being followed by more than half of the companies tested in a new report: “The California Public Interest Research Group found only one third of the survey participants received responses from companies consistent with the law.”

Included in the report’s recommendations are making companies provide an opt-out on their Web site and getting an “opt-in” approval from customers before their information is shared; moves opposed by small businesses.

“Typical California; Opportunity to add more and more layers of government and regulation at a time when we still have not seen this particular law fully tested,” said John Kabateck from the National Federation of Independent Business.

Nice work there, Kabateck—in one sentence, you managed to come across as a smarmy caricature of a real person. Maybe that’s why you’re not afraid of having your identity bought and sold by the highest bidder?
“Consumer group warns of ID theft” [abc7news.com]
(Photo: Getty)

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