1086716_communicationThere are several online information services providing reverse phone number lookup. One example is Google Phonebook. This service allows you to look up someone based on their phone number, and the results page gives the address of the person along with links to yahoo maps and Mapquest with directions to the person’s home. Google does provide a way to remove oneself from the Google phonebook. They also mention that removal from the Google phonebook does not remove one’s personal information from the many reverse phone number lookup resources online.

Some are not bothered by this feature. Many would argue that their information is available in local directories, as well as by calling information nationwide. However, a real ethical question comes up with regards to searching for unlisted numbers not available in these two resources. Google has had unlisted numbers come up with personal information in Google phonebook. While removing oneself from Google phonebook is a simple procedure, it is not so simple with other resources, such as Whitepages.com. Many sites will charge a fee to allow you to search databases in order to find someone’s information, regardless of their status as listed or unlisted.

While this information is available through telephone directories, having it available online makes it easy for identity thieves and telemarketers to do their job, and stalkers to locate their victims. This begs the question, just because we can, does that mean we should?

Related posts:

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  3. Cell Phone Number Directory
  4. Hiding Your Information From Reverse Phone Number Lookup Software: Is It Possible?