Greg's Corner

Proposed law punishes classifieds users

By Greg Collier

The State of California, like many others nationwide, faces a significant retail theft problem. Shoplifting incidents now frequently make headlines, unlike in the past. Instead of addressing the root causes of this issue, a California State Senator has proposed legislation targeting classified sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Geebo.com, along with their users.

California State Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) introduced SB 1144 to the state assembly last week. This bill aims to deter the sale of stolen items on online marketplaces by requiring these platforms to collect personal and financial information from frequent users. This includes bank account credentials, copies of valid driver’s licenses, and Social Security numbers.

Although we at Geebo.com often critique the practices of Craigslist and Marketplace, we oppose this legislation. We believe it is both misguided and an overreach of government authority.

Senator Skinner may think these proposals will stop the sale of stolen goods on online marketplaces, but in reality, everyday users will suffer the most. Many users have established businesses on these platforms, selling goods they bought wholesale from retailers going out of business or simply reducing inventory. These individuals will be unfairly targeted by SB 1144.

Under this law, they would have to submit their personal and financial information just to sell a few used iPhones online. This puts users’ data at risk, especially given Facebook’s poor track record for protecting user information. We doubt Craigslist would fare any better.

Furthermore, these proposals are unlikely to affect the sale of stolen goods from retail thefts online. Major theft rings would simply use information obtained from identity theft victims. Given the frequency of major data breaches, it wouldn’t be difficult for thieves to acquire such information.

In conclusion, while addressing retail theft is crucial, SB 1144 imposes burdensome requirements on legitimate users of online marketplaces without effectively tackling the core issue. By shifting the focus from root causes to excessive data collection, the proposed legislation risks compromising user privacy and security. It’s essential to find balanced solutions that protect both consumers and businesses without overreaching government authority or jeopardizing personal information. We urge lawmakers to reconsider and develop more effective strategies that genuinely address retail theft without placing undue strain on everyday users and small businesses.