The trade in data has in the recent past become a booming business considering the fact that it runs unregulated and it is done without the consent of the victims. Data brokers are exposed to ethical dilemma as the practice has both positive and negative impacts on the society. Leaked data can cause damage as much as it can be helpful. In case where text massages are leaked in a family setup, in as much as this can help to confront cheating spouses, it can as well cause divorce and separation resulting into great harm on the children (EPI, 2009).
Proliferation of data brokers have provided an easy way of damping data hence making it extra difficult to retrieve information from an organization involved in this kind of business (EPI, 2009). The loss of data results to greater harm in the event of a legal pursuit on an organization. Loss of data is equally loss of evidence on the company’s past activities. Huge amounts of data in the data storage facilities where companies sell their data causes slow networks due to the congested traffic while users try to retrieve information they require.
The United States’ government should regulate private data brokers first of all to protect the valued privacy of the victims. Government involvement will with no doubt help govern and monitor the use of this information hence legal utilization of information will take effect (EPI, 2009). The advantages will be to the victims who by liberal operations of the market risk exposing confidential information. The disadvantage however with government involvement is the fact that the government will introduce a licensing fee that may probably scare away brokers and lead to a shortage that may adversely affect many businesses. The data provided in the U.S.A data web site is very reliable and in most cases it assists the private investigators, law enforcement agencies and spouses who are disappointed in their marriages who are interested in finding the truth about their failing marriage.
USA data offers restrictive and limited access of its data to customers visiting the site to retrieve information. This comes after an agreement from the customer to the terms and conditions of the company (EPI, 2009). One of the terms and condition include a payment required to access information in the site. By ordering a mailing list online the type of information found includes consumer list , business list, occupants list, new home owners list, new movers list, physicians list, and specialty lists including technological solutions. USA data provides personalized customer services and an easy ordering system that requires no subscription.
The information offered is of ascertained precision and provides access to information from any types of sources(EPI, 2009). The information found in USA data can give a leak to discreet information like how much one earns hence raising privacy concerns. The disclosure of how much money a person earns is a breach to personal privacy contracts that many organizations sign to while hiring employees. If my name and other personal information where in the database, limitations I would wish to maintain private would be any information that touches on my personal private life. Information on my family background and social status would top the list of concern. My financial statements in this case would also be on the list of items I would rather maintain private.
Reference
Electronic Privacy Information Center, (2009). Focusing public attention on emerging privacy and civil liberties issues. Web.