FTC: Consumer Privacy Comments Concerning Ellis Investigations--P974806 ELLIS INVESTIGATIONS July 2, 1997 Secretary, Federal Trade Commission Dear Mr. Secretary I am writing in support of the current plan offered by the information data base industry towards self regulation. As a private investigator I frequently use the sort of public and non public information that they provide, particularly information derived from credit headers. The services that I provide to the attorneys, insurance companies and businesses for whom I work are an integral part of what keeps the civil and criminal justice system functioning. These services are highly dependent upon the sort of information provided by the legitimate data base brokers. I, along with many other citizens, have become concerned with the proliferation of information sources on the internet, where anyone can obtain information of at least a semi private nature. However, I believe that one should not deal with this problem by limiting access to those who have legitimate business and legal needs for it. It has been my experience in dealing with the data base brokers whom I use that I am required to provide them with evidence of my state licensing before obtaining any information from them. I believe that the industry is capable of placing the appropriate limitations on the dissemination of public and semi private information and should be allowed to demonstrate that they can do so. Sincerely Steve EllisSteve Ellis 1325 IMOLA AVENUE WEST,
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