[10530] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: FOI Request for Database
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Ruth Lovett)
Fri Aug 16 20:13:49 1996
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 1996 17:20:56 -0500 (CDT)
From: Ruth Lovett <lovett@tgn.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Paul P.Wittry III wrote:
>
> Does a company, or individual have the 'right' to a list of registered
> 'freenet' users?
> -Paul
Ruth replies:
I feel strongly that a commercial entity does not have the "Right" to
receive the datebase from a non-profit organization under the Freedom of
Information Act. Carry this a little further and any business could ask
for the customer list from a competitor. I believe we would do a
disservice to subscribers if we release their names and addresses.
In addition, a freenet is not a government group. Sorry your university
has already come out on the side of the "evil usurpers," but I wonder if
they are trying to avoid difficulties at the price of eroding one of our
cherished freedoms?
I work for a non-profit group whose purpose is presenting live
professional entertainment to a depressed area (with 15.5% unemployment.)
There is no way I would reveal our mailing list to a commercial
entertainment group. I also serve on the board of directors of the local
bulletin board: Matagorda Area Network. I certainly would not provide
their mailing list to a commercial service provider, who would use it to
advertise their commercial enterprise.
Regards,
Ruth Lovett
Regards,
Ruth Lovett
