Summary: A study revealed that over half of U.S. appellate judges have their personal data exposed on people search sites, increasing their risk of threats and violent retaliation. Legislation, including Daniel’s Law and a similar bill in Vermont, aims to protect judicial figures by limiting the visibility of their personal information online. The issue raises significant concerns for the safety of judges, with many already facing intimidation and threats.
Affected: U.S. appellate court judges, data brokers
Keypoints :
- 56% of judges reviewed had personal information available on people search sites.
- The data broker industry, which is largely unregulated, is responsible for this exposure.
- Legislation like Daniel’s Law mandates the removal of judges’ personal information from these sites within 10 days upon request.
- Vermont is considering similar legislation to protect judges from data brokers.
- A separate study indicated that over half of state judges have experienced threats, with personal safety concerns being a daily reality.
Source: https://therecord.media/personal-info-on-judges-widely-available-online