The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Committee on License and Consumer Protection of the Chicago City Council (Chairman, Alderman Eugene Schulter) has voted to require used CD and DVD stores to log and record the identities (using Polaroids if necessary) of those who sell used CDs and DVDs as well as the specific titles they've brought in (Want to sell used CD or DVD? You may need identification) [via The Shifted Librarian]. The reason for this is that stolen CDs (worth approximately $2 a piece) are somewhat of a hot commodity with thieves. Although there is a legitimate law enforcement purpose for such a program, such laws should be enacted with great care. Requiring records be kept of what information goods an individual has possessed implicates the First Amendment. After all one should be able to read/listen/watch what they desire free from fear of government intrusion, intimidation, or reprisal.
It isn't clear whether this city council committee action takes such considerations into account. For example, will the information collected be made available to law enforcement only pursuant to a warrant? Does the regulation make clear that the information collected must not be used for any other purpose? Has a requirement for destroying such records been made, or are such records required to be maintained indefinitely? How are the rights of minors protected? There are many questions to be answered. I hope the Committee on License and Consumer Protection has asked them.