Sharing Customer Information Risks

Summary

Sharing a customers personal information without their consent can violate privacy laws such as the New York SHIELD Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act. Even if the information is not directly visible but can be used to identify the customer, it may still be considered sharing. Consult a lawyer to ensure compliance with privacy laws.

Full Conversation

Is sharing a customers name, number, and email a violation of privacy laws?
In general, sharing a customer's personal information such as name, phone number, and email without their consent can be considered a violation of privacy laws. Some specific laws include:
- The New York SHIELD Act
- The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) if dealing with EU citizens
Can you provide more context? Are there specific circumstances you're concerned about?
I'm a small retailer who has had a bad experience with a customer. They've caused me a lot of trouble. I'd like to share their information with other small retailers, so they can be prepared incase this customer begins doing business with them.
While your frustration is understandable, sharing a customer's personal information without their consent could potentially violate privacy laws, including:
- The New York SHIELD Act
- The Federal Trade Commission Act
These laws generally prohibit sharing personal data without consent. It's advisable to seek legal counsel before proceeding.
what is considered sharing the information? If their information is a way to search for a description of the bad experience, but isn't visible, is it still sharing the information?
Sharing information generally means making it available to others. If a customer's personal details are used in a way that others can identify them, even if the information itself is not visible, it could still be considered sharing. You should consult with a lawyer to ensure compliance with privacy laws.