Is running a background check website legal?

[Little32]

I had a similar experience with a different website, which I won't post here. I called a lawyer friend of mine to ask about it. He basically said that because such sites use information that is a matter of public record, I did not necessarily have any rights with regards to the information that they listed.

Of course, even though the information is stuff that is in the public record, having it compiled in that way, so that it is easily accessible presents all sorts of possibilities for people with criminal intentions. In my mind at least.

I contacted the folks that operated that website and they told me that they get their information by combing the web, and that once the information was not available on certain feeder sites, like the white pages, the information would disappear from their site as well. So I have been trying to get rid of information on the feeder sites, which is actually relatively simple.

My question now is one of liability. There was a lot of information out there about me too, and I have a pretty unique name, so I am rather easy to find. I wonder if something were to happen, if I had my identity stolen or was being stalked or something like that, would the people who run these background check websites face some sort liability, if it were found that their sites were used in the commission of the crime?