Westlaw Reacts To Data Integrity Breaches

Information services company Westlaw has announced that many companies and government agencies will no longer be able to obtain Social Security numbers from the company's databases.

"The events of the past months illustrate the importance of tougher controls, and we're pleased to be a part of a broader and ongoing effort that supports both individual privacy and homeland security concerns," said Peter Warwick, CEO of Thomson West.

One of the key factors in the company's decision is undoubtedly the announcement last month that competitor ChoicePoint had improperly released tens of thousands of records to unauthorized people. Law enforcement officials believe the data will be used to commit identity theft crimes.

Industry observers praised Westlaw's decision to limit access to Social Security number data, but the action may not be enough to halt legislative action that would impact the entire industry.

posted by Consumer Help Web Editorial Team at 8:37 PM |