Sunday, December 28, 2008

NotConcealed.com

NotConcealed.com allows you to plug in a North Carolina address and see if a CCW holder lives there. The original website allowed you to plug in a last name to see who had permits. That has since been deleted. If you get a hit you get name, DOB, NC driver's license number, permit number, and full address. The information is drawn from public records and the site's claimed intent is to show how easy it is to access the info and encourage people to call their representatives and ask that the law be changed so the info isn't public record anymore. They also list public and government officials with CCW permits. Neat ploy and a worthy cause, but it bothers me.

I still see it as an invasion of privacy even if records are public. I got pissed when newspapers in other states decided to publish the names of CCW holders as a "public service". I don't see this as any different regardless of the end goal. It also strikes me as a wonderful tool for thieves to use to see if a house has guns to steal.

So if you're local send your representative a message demanding a change in the law. If you're not, or are and want to critique the site, send them a message at info@notconcealed.com and let them know what you think.

Update: The name of the permit holders, street numbers, and specifics that might assist in identifying the permits holders has been redacted. And if you just go on the site to be nosy, about five searches, you get this...
Stick me with a fork, you’re done!

Alright, already!

The purpose of this site is to NOT “out” concealed carriers. We’re concealed carriers. We’re on this list... and we’re as upset about this as you are.

Why are you still here? Are you being nosy? How can you be upset about the availability of this information and at the same time use it as an opportunity to stick your nose in other people’s business? Shame on you.

You should be on the phone or composing a letter to your state representatives explaining how this list is an invasion of privacy, not poking through the database. Turn off American Idol or Dancing With The Stars and get on the horn.

Feel free to come back tomorrow if you need to. You should be able to get nosy again then.
So my concerns have been satisfied. Support these guys and write your representative to get this information removed from the public record.

2 comments:

Flock of One said...

bout 10 years ago we had some guys post the 'publicly' available drivers license records for the same reason. The DMV changed the policies within a week.

Wanna bet the public outcry for CCL permits is a bit more subdued?

kahr40 said...

The outcry will be form the "public officials" who got outed. If they pressure for a change it will happen. The question is whether it will include all permit holders or the chosen few.