Do you think it's OK for a Science Fiction club to publish your personal information?

[kallistii]

A science fiction club in Ottawa, Canada claims that the law forces them to publish your personal information.

"Since you made your request to Sandi about rejoining OSFS...keeping your address and phone number unrecorded, we have consulted our Constitutional Advisor regarding the legalities of this according to the Ontario Corporations Act and the Constitution by which OSFS is incorporated.

It is specified in the Corporations Act that all members must supply their name, address and phone number for publication in our members list. We can't make exceptions.

If you want to join, we will need your current address and phone number for the list."

- Sincerely, Elizabeth Holden, Secretary, OSFS

In today's atmosphere of identity theft, do you think this is a reasonable requirement to be a member of a Science Fiction Fan club?

ttyl

Comments

[pheloniusfriar.livejournal.com]

I think it's a reasonable requirement to avoid association with a group that violates your fundamental beliefs about personal privacy and freedoms. I have not heard of any other group that *requires* that their members list *must* be published.

[electricvelvet.livejournal.com]

I'm with Phelonius on this - the heck with 'em. I'm mean sure they're fun to hang out with but you're still friends with some of the members anyway, so why worry?

[bastdanica.livejournal.com]

Have you asked them if they have a privacy policy? Who is their Privacy Officer?

Where is this list "published"??

HUGS
Danica

[kallisti.livejournal.com]

They have no privacy policy, no privacy officer...and published means to the membership...and there is a person who harrases me in the past among the membership, and I didn't want him to get my current address.

ttyl

[bastdanica.livejournal.com]

Can you provide a semi-false address or a PO Box? Perhaps something like General Delivery, Ottawa, ON

Then pick a postal code. :) That MIGHT satisfy the requirement. :)

Just a thought....

Most organizations need to have a privacy policy/officer... however that is more for dealing with the public... I'm not entirely sure how that applies to private groups... I doubt they can require anything that you don't legally need to provide.