June 30, 2006
Bill prohibits sale of phone records without permission
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that will protect the personal information of Michigan citizens. Public Act 246 of 2006 prohibits the unauthorized sale of confidential telephone records, including cell phones, without the customer’s permission.
“The unlawful use of a person’s phone records not only violates that person’s privacy but also creates a serious public safety threat,” Granholm said. “Thanks to this legislation, the state of Michigan is sending a clear message that the personal information of our consumers is not for sale.”
Senate Bill 1202 prohibits both the selling and purchasing of confidential telephone records without the authorization of the customer to whom the records pertain. The bill also amends Michigan’s Identity Theft Protection Act to prohibit using personal identifying information to obtain a person’s telephone records. Attempting to do so is now a felony punishable by a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Granholm first called for this legislation in January after a number of websites were discovered offering to sell private phone records for as little as $100. At that time, Granholm also asked the Michigan Public Service Commission to investigate whether Michigan telecommunications providers have improperly released personal information without permission. Results of that investigation are expected soon.
Senate Bill 1202 was sponsored by Senator Bruce Patterson (R-Canton). The bill was given immediate effect.
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