President’s Toronto SUN Column: Fighting For Your Right To Privacy
Posted by: Toronto Real Estate Admin / Category: Toronto RealtorTREB President’s Column as it appears every Friday in the Toronto Sun’s Resale Homes and Condos section.
March 16, 2012 — As you may have heard, the Competition Bureau is taking action that would force the Toronto Real Estate Board to abandon the safeguards in the MLS® System and make personal information freely available on the Internet, such as personal financial information including mortgage details and much more.
Some information on MLS® is publicly available through REALTOR.ca. However, TREB safeguards private and personal information. REALTORS® have always been guided by an obligation to protect consumers’ personal information.
That’s why TREB and REALTOR® Members are fighting for the privacy rights of consumers! We’ve launched a campaign to stand up for GTA consumers to protect their privacy.
TREB understands that the business environment is changing. In response, TREB developed a VOW service to allow REALTORS® to offer consumers a secure password-protected website displaying MLS® listing data, with the benefit of a REALTOR® Member’s knowledge and accountability, without compromising MLS® accuracy or consumers’ privacy rights.
TREB recently commissioned a poll of Ontarians by Angus Reid Critical Vision to see what Ontarians think about abandoning the privacy safeguards of MLS®. I’d like to share the results with you.
Not surprisingly, Ontarians are concerned.
- 75% of Ontarians believe that personal information such as name and final sale price should be kept confidential by REALTOR® professionals. Commissioner Aitken wants to release this information.
- 70% of homeowners do not want their personal contact information released to the public. Commissioner Aitken wants to release this information.
- 67% of Ontarians oppose any measure to make personal contact information such as name and address available to others who are not subject to a professional code of conduct. Commissioner Aitken wants to release this information.
TREB has launched a new website to draw attention and clarify for consumers as to what could happen if Commissioner Aitken gets her way.
To learn more, become involved, and stay informed on this issue visit www.ProtectYourPrivacy.ca
Throughout the campaign, leading up to the Competition Tribunal proceedings this fall, TREB will be updating the consumer on a regular basis, so check back with the website for up-to-date information.
The stakes are high; Ontarians have overwhelming said they want their privacy protected. TREB has always strongly believed that REALTORS® have an obligation to protect consumers’ personal information. That’s why we’re fighting the Competition Bureau.
If Commissioner Aitken gets her way, Ontarians won’t. Privacy matters. That’s why TREB is standing up for GTA consumers.
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Article source: http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/president_columns/pres_sun_col/index.htm
Tags: Toronto Realtor