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Escaping the Scrapers
http://www.heavymachineryinfo.com/articles/4478/1/Escaping-the-Scrapers/Escaping-the-Scrapers.html
By super admin
Published on 11/4/2010
 
The Internet has given rise to a dizzying array of people-search sites and data brokers that gather and compile public information and social-networking profiles. The sites gather information from public sources such as property records and telephone listings, and other information is harvested by “scraping” — or copying — websites where people post information about themselves.
Escaping the Scrapers
The Internet has given rise to a dizzying array of people-search sites and data brokers that gather and compile public information and social-networking profiles. The sites gather information from public sources such as property records and telephone listings, and other information is harvested by “scraping” — or copying — websites where people post information about themselves.

The fact that the information is from public records or posted on the Internet generally means that the companies have a right to use it. And many of the firms emphasize that the data will still be available in public records or elsewhere online, even if the information is removed from specific sites. As long as the source of the information remains available, it can simply be scraped again. But determined consumers willing to navigate the maze of companies have some options for requesting that their data be removed from certain sites.

Below, a guide to seeking removal of information from some of the largest sites.

The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a non-profit consumer group, keeps a list of online data brokers and scrapers, and whether they allow users to opt out. A few more details can be found in a guide provided to California public officials under a state law that allows them to demand data removal. The Wall Street Journal obtained the guide via a California Public Records Act request. Further information can sometimes be obtained from the companies in question. The Journal contacted several of them separately.

The people-search sites that receive the most visitors, according to comScore Inc., are Intelius Inc., Spokeo Inc. and 123people Internetservices GmbH.

Intelius: Intelius accepts requests via fax only, at 425-974-6194. The number for California officials is listed as 425-974-6196. To be removed from the company’s public-records database, a consumer must send a copy of identification, such as a driver’s license, that has the person’s name, address and birth date. The photo and license number can be crossed out. The process takes four to six weeks, the company says.

http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/10/11/escaping-the-scrapers/