2007-10-09 01:36:10 · 14 answers · asked by pat93050 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Every state has different laws, and without knowing where you live or what the circumstances were, it is difficult to give a conclusive answer.
We believe that it is unethical to invade ones privacy by giving out that information, however, unless your phone number is an unlisted phone number, it is considered public record which anyone can have access to.
Any information that is considered private can also be had by any government agency requesting it because of the Patriot Act that President Bush signed into law.
2007-10-09 01:50:18 · answer #1 · answered by dragonlady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. A lot of schools these days send home a waiver to parents without explaining it, and it says that the child's likeness and other information may be used by the school.
If that outside agency were a law enforcement group, then they'd be forced by subpoena to release it.
If it's to sales groups, it is unethical -- but not illegal -- if the parent signed their "waiver".
I know privacy laws get in the way of some things, and they are there to protect those of us who don't commit crimes. The problem is some places routinely hand out student information to the armed forces, credit card companies, and other groups to whom you don't want your information given.
Complain to the Board in writing -- helps to do a petition rather than doing it all on your own. That will make the Board sit up and take notice a lot quicker.
Good luck!
2007-10-09 08:47:37 · answer #2 · answered by Serena 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without the consent of the parents, yes, it is illegal. They don't have the right to give your phone numbers out to anyone other than established authority like the police department or the Fumbling Bumbling Idiots better known as the FBI.
2007-10-09 08:41:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what agency. Do you mean, an agency like law enforcement? It's not illegal for them to do that.
Maybe, it would be illegal to release that information to let's say an advertising agency. If not illegal, definitely unethical.
2007-10-09 08:38:46 · answer #4 · answered by Madame Morticia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what state and city you live in and why they released the numbers. If the numbers where given to the police due to an emergency, it is OK.
Check with a local lawyer.
2007-10-09 08:39:13 · answer #5 · answered by Michael B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's going to depend on the agency, but not per se, no. If it's to child welfare, not only is it legal, but probably required. If it's some random marketing corporation, then it's almost certainly illegal.
2007-10-09 08:41:59 · answer #6 · answered by Ryan D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most certainly, the Data Protection Act forbids it. A few years back, my daughter wanted to invite friends from school to a birthday party. One of the girls wasn't at school so we asked the school if they would provide us with her phone number, and explained the reason. Because of the Act, they wouldn't tell us.
2007-10-09 08:41:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the agency and why. If it is for the protection of the child, like a child protective services, then no.
2007-10-09 08:39:30 · answer #8 · answered by punxy_girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The data protection act says it's illegal to release any data without the knowledge of the people who summitted it.
2007-10-09 08:40:22 · answer #9 · answered by anthony j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would hope so. There is all of these privacy laws now. Call your local Court House or a Lawyers Office usually it doesn't cost to find out.
2007-10-09 08:40:38 · answer #10 · answered by rjm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋