Blade writer: Amount of personal information on Internet ''scary''

By Chad D. Baus

The Toledo Blade's Ryan Smith, whom I will always remember fondly for a column he wrote after attending the 2004 World Rock Paper Scissors Championships in Toronto, recently wrote about how he had investigated himself online, and that what he found was "scary".

From the Smith's commentary:

With all the information out on the Internet today, it's hard not to worry about all the personal stuff anyone can find. It may just be that cute girl in class checking you out online, but it could be a cyberstalker or an angry ex.

...It can be creepy to know that there's so much information available. To think of the potential for harm, it's even worse.

Back in March, 13abc.com gave the exact type of example Smith imagines:

13abc's reporter spoke to a correction's officer who has a conceal-carry permit. He was contacted by a released convict who saw his name on a conceal-carry list. The ex-con did a quick internet search and found the officer's phone number and home address. "He could have been waiting in my driveway when I got home from work."

Fortunately this ex-con only wanted to place a phone call.

But indeed, next time it could be that "cyberstalker or an angry ex" Smith is worried about, which is why persons who have a reason to fear should have the legal option to keep their status as a concealed handgun license-holder (along with their name, birthdate and county of residence) private.

There is legislation to change the law in this regard. In March, an amendment was added to House Bill 9 which would allow citizens to protect their personal information from the media who has abused their access by printing lists of license holders. The bill passed the Ohio House 93 - 1, and was sent to the Senate, where, like other important gun-related legislation, the legislation awaits attention from Senate President Bill Harris.