Washington–Legislators have made it more difficult for bankrupt companies to sell their databases. On March 15, the U.S. Senate voted 83 to 15 to approve a bill that would toughen the rules regarding when bankrupt companies can sell customers’ personal information. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law.
The bill prohibits companies from selling customers’ personal information at the time of bankruptcy if they had promised that they would never release such information to any third party. The bill does allow the sale or lease of customer information if it is consistent with previous company policy, or if the move has been directed by court.