> Presumably the bank had to go through special screening and training to get access to it. No, not really. They just have to ask you if it's OK preform that q

> Presumably the bank had to go through special screening and training to get access to it. No, not really. They just have to ask you if it's OK preform that query from a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) and have regulations around informing you about the sources they used to make decisions. Same for any 'background check' company. But if you want to participate in society you're going to have to authorize these sorts of searches... There's not a whole lotta choice. In the US The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates how the CRAs use that information. I'm no expert, but I believe the FCRA only applies if the information is being used to make credit, insurance, employment, housing, etc. decisions. It doesn't apply for personal curiosity. That's why those sites say "you agree not to use this information for employment, housing purposes, etc." When you use them. It's probably more useful to read the FCRA rather than listening to me though.