I don't even read privacy policies. If you want to know what most of them say, here's the lay term condensed version:

We use your private information as an asset, both for our internal business purposes and to sell to others. Our databases are open to any marketing company that wants to pay us for access. We call these companies "associates" or some other name that is intended to make you feel more comfortable about your sensitive personal and financial information being auctioned off to whomever will pay. If we collect your social security number, credit card numbers, banking information, or any other bit of data that may make a transaction take place more smoothly, you can bet we'll sell it at some point to dozens of comapanies around the world.

With more financial companies using offshore marketing and customer service facilities, what little control US authorities once had over your personal information is long gone.

The Times (of Northwester Indiana) reported that Choicepoint, Inc. was "duped into allowing criminals to access its massive database of personal information." Now, many people may react in shock that a company actively collected very sensitive private information and then allowed criminals access. However, those of us paying attention simply waited for such public exposure of ongoing risky corporate behavior. Your information isn't private. If you give it to any company at any time, expect it to be available to anyone for a price, and likely criminals at some point.

Posted in business | computer security | law enforcement jasonn's blog