FTC: Consumer Privacy Comments Concerning Steven H. Phelps--P974806 STEVEN H. PHELPS 11325 PEGASUS, SUITE
W-209 (214) 341-9292 July 8, 1997 Mr. Robert Pitofsky, Chairman RE:Support of Self Regulation Dear Mr. Chairman: In response to the Commission's request for additional comments following the hearings held June 10, 1997, I, as an attorney currently practicing in Texas, am a regular user of public and non- public records (such as credit headers) any support the proposition of self regulation. The data we regularly access through our support staff of investigators and use in our reports to clients has a beneficial use and need in society. It is important that a free flow of information be available to support commerce and our judicial system. It also allows the public, who does not have the resources to manage all of the problems they are faced with to defend itself without looking to government for help. Further, regulation would create additional barriers in a system which today saves lives, prevents fraud and brings families together. We, as well as our investigators, are required to keep information confidential and maintain a high degree of accuracy in our reports due to law and test of courts and marketplace. To have the able to browse around in our inquires and data, or opt out of databases would be the death of the investigation/security industry and freedom. Privacy protection can be managed through the industry's self-regulation of uses and distribution. The investigation/security industry has stated a willingness and desire to self regulate. This industry must have the opportunity to self regulate and welcomes the government's help in enforcing the rules, through the efforts of the industry and its associations. I ask that you support self regulation and work with the industry to successfully bring about policies and procedures that we can all live with in a free society. Respectfully submitted, Steven H. Phelps/retSteven H. Phelps |