Senator Randy Bass

Senator Bass Plans Legislation to Make Purchase
Of Cell Phone Records Illegal in Oklahoma

Calling it an outrageous invasion of privacy, Senator Randy Bass announced today that he will add a provision to his identity theft protection legislation that will make the purchase of cell phone records illegal in Oklahoma.

“Nobody should be able to buy your cell phone records. Who you call and how long you talk is a private matter. I am outraged that corporations are profiting from selling private information of Oklahomans, including Oklahoma children. We may not be able to, on the state level, stop companies outside Oklahoma from selling phone records, but I plan to introduce legislation making it illegal for anyone inside Oklahoma to purchase the records,” said Bass, D-Lawton.

Bass explained currently there are no restrictions that would prevent anyone from purchasing the cell phone records of other individuals – including lists of both incoming and outgoing calls, their duration and cost. He further explained these cell phone records are easily accessible on the Internet by a few simple clicks of a mouse, a cell phone number and less than $100.

“Invading someone’s privacy should not be that simple.” Bass said.

“Nearly everyone has a cell phone, including many of our children. These companies are offering an open invitation to give stalkers and child molesters access to another part of our kids’ lives,” the lawmaker said. “By making it illegal to purchase someone else’s cell phone records without their consent we will be giving law enforcement another tool to fight identity theft and to protect our children.”

The Lawton Democrat said he plans to make protecting cell phone records part of a larger identity theft protection measure he began working on last legislative session.

“The purchase of private cell phone records is just the latest tool that people could use to steal your identity,” Bass said. “Identity theft is a serious problem in Oklahoma. It can take months or even years to recover if someone steals your identity. It can ruin your credit and you will never completely overcome that sense personal violation.”

For more information contact:
Senator Randy Bass
State Capitol: (405) 521-5567
Email: bass@oksenate.gov