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Privacy - Ham Callsigns Lookups on FCC Database?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the weakening-the-illusion-even-further dept.

catchy_handle asks: "In the US, all amateur radio (ham) call signs are public record. Anyone with a decent police scanner can listen to the local hams on the 2m and 70cm bands. Given an operator's call sign, one can search the FCC databases which will return the licensees street address, among other data. As a future ham, I found this thread on eHam.net somewhat alarming. The majority of respondents stated that it's always been this way, that they have nothing to hide, and to stop being paranoid. [I disagree.] As a victim of ID theft, the less joe-crack-head knows about me the better. I'm pretty sure of the typical Slashdot reader's angle here, but my question is to the hams: Does this bother you? Or is it part of tradition and something a good operator should be proud of? Is it too late since these guys already know all?"

"I was surprised by the resistance to reconsider the status-quo, to adapt to the new reality of criminals with computers.

I suggested that the portals to the public databases be replaced with a challenge/response system such that if someone wanted my address, I'd get a notification from the QSL bureau, or the FCC that so-and-so was requesting access to my data. I could then decide to grant or deny that request. One person said that California's DMV works this way already (very cool). Another option: anyone is allowed to provide a PO Box to the FCC, instead of a street address, but that's an extra expense to many. "

2 of 66 comments (clear)

  1. Who needs an address? by notyou2 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    If you're broadcasting, then your exact location can be determined WITHOUT A DATABASE! You're sending out an easily-triangulatable radio signal. So why is having an address in a searchable database so much more invasive?

    Certainly from a practical standpoint it makes harvesting easier... but on the "principle" of the thing is seems to me that any HAM operator is already publishing their location simply by broadcasting.

    --
    DiscDividers tabbed plastic CD dividers: divider cards f
  2. Fucking christ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    This has to be the most absurd thing I've ever heard of. Your name and address are a matter of public record if you have a driver's license, own property or are registered to vote.

    Grow the hell up.