Companies on the Internet are not alone in collecting data about customers or turning it over to new owners following bankruptcies or mergers. For example, it is routine for banks and hospitals to transfer intimate consumer or patient data following an acquisition. However, the assurance of privacy on the Net is particularly troubling for many consumers, because they have only a vague notion about the wealth of information that can be gathered, analyzed and transmitted to third parties. In response, the industry has sought to temper consumer fears by posting detailed explanations about the information being collected and how it is used. Privacy agreements are now standard on most e-tailing sites, with varying degrees of actual privacy depending on the wording.
Some companies say they are being careful to honor the letter of the privacy agreement.
So we just can't take the names and sell them to anyone interested. We couldn't deal them independently. While such a transfer may be perfectly legal, some privacy advocates find that to be little solace. We need stronger laws to prevent the exchange of customer information when companies merge or are sold. Among the provisions of the FTC act is a section that prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices.