|
In the
latest privacy case to hit the courts, Reno v. Condon, the Supreme Court
ruled in favor of privacy. In essence the Supreme Court says states can be
barred from selling driver’s license data. The problem is that the
protected information means lost revenue for the states. Take for example
Wisconsin, which receives about $8 million yearly from the sales of such
information. They will now lose that income.
In
Reno v. Condon, South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon filed suit
in 1997 to try to prevent the government from enforcing the Driver’s
Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). The DPPA is a federal law that limits the
reasons why states may give out driver’s license data. Some instances
when the DPPA states that DMV information may be released are:
• In connection with motor vehicle driver safety and
theft matters.
• For service of process in a state, federal, or
local court or agency proceeding.
• For claims investigation.
• To government or law enforcement agencies carrying
out their functions.
How
will this affect the sales industry in general? Well, the data that will
be available for marketing purposes will soon be limited. Only data from
consumers who give the state express consent to release their information
will be available. Of course, it is very unlikely that people will provide
consent. In effect this ruling means less new leads for sales forces to
pursue.
Tell
The Green Sheet
what you think of this case ruling. Are you in support of privacy or the
state’s ability to make revenue from its databases? Send your comments
or questions to Suzanne Luse at greenshttx@aol.com.
Back | Next
© Copyright 2000; The
Green Sheet, Inc.
|
