Realtors vs NAR: Judge Advances Class Action Over Personal Info Sales

Judge Allows Realtors Subscription List Sale Suit to Proceed

A Michigan federal judge has ruled that a proposed class action accusing the National Association of Realtors (NAR) of selling its members’ personal information can move forward. The judge determined that the case was not similar enough to another lawsuit that had already been dismissed, after questioning if the suits were alike.

Allegations of Selling Personal Information

The plaintiffs in the case allege that the NAR sold their personal information to third parties, violating their privacy rights. This information may have included names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, among other data. The NAR is a major trade association for real estate professionals, with over 1.4 million members.

Comparing the Cases

The judge found that the current case was not similar enough to a previously dismissed lawsuit to warrant dismissal. In the earlier case, the plaintiffs had alleged that the NAR had sold their contact information to third parties, but the court found that they had not provided sufficient evidence to support their claims.

In the current case, however, the plaintiffs have provided more detailed allegations about the NAR’s practices, leading the judge to determine that the case could proceed. The judge noted that the two cases were not “so similar that the reasoning in one case should be applied to the other.”

Implications for Realtors and the NAR

If the class action is successful, it could have significant implications for the NAR and its members. The organization could be required to pay damages to the affected members and may be subject to stricter privacy regulations in the future. This case serves as a reminder to trade associations and other organizations that handle personal information to be diligent in protecting their members’ privacy and to ensure that they are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

As the case proceeds, it will be important for realtors and other stakeholders to monitor the developments and consider the potential impact on their businesses and the industry as a whole. A decision in favor of the plaintiffs could lead to increased scrutiny of other trade associations and their handling of personal information.

In the meantime, real estate professionals should take steps to protect their personal information and be cautious about sharing sensitive data with trade associations and other organizations. Ensuring that personal information is handled securely and responsibly is an important aspect of maintaining trust with clients and colleagues in the industry.

Conclusion

The decision by the Michigan federal judge to allow the proposed class action against the National Association of Realtors to proceed highlights the importance of privacy protection and responsible data handling. As the case continues, it will be crucial for realtors and other industry stakeholders to stay informed about the developments and consider the potential implications for their businesses and the real estate profession as a whole. To learn more about this case and its potential impact on the industry, click here.

Orginal article: Link To Article – provided by Kansas City Realtors