Alabama Private Investigator Practice Exam

Can a Licensed Private Investigator (LPI) face consequences for possessing protected information obtained from a data broker?

1. No, as long as they purchased it legally

2. Yes, even if obtained through a broker

3. Only if the information is shared

4. No, there are no consequences

The correct answer is: Yes, even if obtained through a broker

A Licensed Private Investigator can indeed face consequences for possessing protected information obtained from a data broker, even if they purchased it legally. This is because the legality of the acquisition does not negate the responsibilities and ethical standards that govern the handling of protected information. Professional standards and privacy laws often stipulate that even if information is acquired through legal means, if that information is classified as protected or confidential, there are regulations that dictate how it can be used and who can have access to it. Violating these regulations can lead to serious repercussions for the investigator, including disciplinary actions from licensing boards, potential civil liability, and damage to their professional reputation. This underscores the importance of understanding both the legal landscape surrounding data privacy and the ethical obligations of professional conduct within investigative work. Thus, the ruling that a Licensed Private Investigator can indeed face consequences for possessing such information is entirely consistent with these principles.