(no subject)

[nohanii]

Apparently there's an iPhone app that allows you to perform background checks:

"DateCheck users armed with names and telephone numbers can mine the gargantuan Intelius database to uncover whether people seeking romantic connections fail to mention unflattering facts such as criminal pasts or current spouses.

A Sleaze Detector feature in DateCheck finds and lists records of crimes including sexual assaults, drug arrests, and drunken driving, according to John Arnold, Intelius co-founder and executive vice president.

A Living Situation feature uses address information to figure out whether a person lives alone or resides with roommates, parents, or even a spouse."

Wow, that doesn't sound like a bad idea at all, now does it?

"...a New Worth feature can be used to find out how big their house is; the home's price and even how much real estate tax is paid.

A compatibility feature uses birth dates to determine what astrological signs indicate regarding how well suited a couple appears to be.

An Interest feature searches online social networks including Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, and LinkedIn to create a summary of information about a person and links to profile pages."

This app makes some potentially sensitive information way too readily available. It sounds like it has an absolutely enormous abuse potential. Seriously, just combine the Living Situation and Net Worth features: now you can instantly find a target for a home invasion/robbery!

Maybe I'm over reacting to this, but it sounds like a bad idea all around. The only comforting thing I can find is there's a usage fee ranging from a few bucks to $40, depending on what information is looked up. I don't know about you, but I think I'd be pretty upset if I found out someone had used this to research me, and I don't even have anything to hide!
 

 

Comments

[gandolforf.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a stalker's wetdream :\

Nothing like the cold shock of reality to remind you there's really no such thing as privacy anymore.

[honeystix.livejournal.com]

EXACTLY.

I wish people were more personal and up-front with others. Then maybe this kind of thing wouldn't be seen as a "necessary" step in making friends or meeting a SO. Seriously, just ask me if you have any doubts about me; I'll more than likely answer truthfully. So will most other people. This is just dumb.

[fox-murphy.livejournal.com]

Wow, that app is pretty much perfect for creepers everywhere. Nice to know all my info is that easily accessible.

[honeystix.livejournal.com]

I know, right? I don't even have my phone number listed in the whitepages, why would I want someone to be able to look up my address and net worth?

[fox-murphy.livejournal.com]

It's times like these that I can't help but think all the people that come across as paranoid were indeed right all along.