Register.com Files Complaint Against Verio for Use of Customer Data
Register.com, New York, filed a complaint last week in the U.S. Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that Web-hosting company Verio, Englewood, CO, conducted direct marketing campaigns to Register.com's database of customers without its authorization.Register.com accused Verio of accessing its online "whois" database of registrants and sending them direct postal mail and e-mail and making telemarketing calls to them. A Register.com spokeswoman said Register.com held informal discussions with Verio about the matter several times before filing the complaint.
"A major part of the problem is that they are leaving the customer with the impression that they are doing this with our knowledge and consent," said Shonna Keogan, a Register.com spokeswoman.
She said the company only shares information about its customers with marketers when those customers have given their permission for the company to do so.
Verio did not return calls seeking comment.
