Okla. court rescinds records rule.

Despite privacy and identity theft concerns, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has rescinded a controversial rule closing many online court records and redacting information from court files.

According to Tulsa World, the rule, which would have removed documents from the Internet but left the case history online, was to take effect June 10. To obtain supporting documents, a user would have to have driven to the courthouse to obtain a paper copy. The order also removed Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial account numbers, home addresses, and other information from filings and ordered them placed under seal.

Critics said the new rules were drafted without significant public input and were too far-reaching. They also claim that information to be redacted by the order is available in other public records.

"The original rule was too broad, and thousands of Oklahomans and Oklahoma companies now realize the importance of those public court documents," Mark Thomas, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Press Association, told Tulsa World. "We do believe, however, that the public is concerned about Social Security numbers possibly being out there and that should be addressed quickly."

In a statement, the court said that it was aware of the potential privacy and identity theft risks posed by personal data appearing on the court's website, www.oscn.net. The court's decision to rescind the rule means that businesses can continue to access information they need to make hiring and consumer credit decisions.

"We are cognizant that many businesses and individuals rely on the information court clerks have placed on our website," the statement said. "Personal privacy balanced with reliable public information is critical for every free society."

Joey Senat, past president of FOI (Freedom of Information) Oklahoma and an Oklahoma State University journalism professor, told Tulsa World he agrees with the decision to rescind the original rules. The group recently awarded the court its "Black Hole Award" for issuing the rules.

"My guess is they just didn't consider how many people relied both on the Internet access and on some of the information that would have been redacted," Senat said.