Growth Legal Considerations for Buying and Selling Forum Databases

[Al]

When it comes to buying and selling forum databases, where does the law stand? If a forum owner sells a database, including user data like emails, usernames, and posts, is this legal under privacy laws? Many privacy policies claim user data cannot be sold without explicit permission, yet buying entire sites, including member databases, isn’t uncommon. So, are these sales within the bounds of the law, or are they skating on thin ice?

If the database is anonymized by stripping personal information, does this sidestep legal issues? Some argue it’s ethical to keep users in the loop, offering them a chance to opt-out if their information is being transferred to a new owner. With privacy laws like GDPR in place, particularly in the EU, it seems like certain regions have clear rules—but the question remains: is it ever fully legal to sell forum user data?

 

[Shawn Gossman]

When I bought a forum (well over a decade ago), it was before all the extra rules and laws that are now in place over user data and protection.

However, I still offered a way out for those who didn't want to remain a member. I offered an account deletion option. Not posts but the account yes, post username would be changed to something generic.

Out of the 15,000 members I got from it, maybe 2 asked to be deleted.

I think you should always offer a way out. It's ethical to do so.

 

[InMyOpinion]

These are all amazing questions that I'd love to find answers to, I myself have never sold or purchased a forum so I would have no idea what is legal or not. However, I have seen forum owners sell their forums and your questions are really interesting and good ones to ask. I would think it would probably differ from country to country, state to state or even province to province.

I agree with what @Shawn Gossman had said that you should always offer a way out in case a member no longer wants to be part of the forum once the new forum owner has come along. I also don't think you should delete their posts but the account itself you can delete.

Really good questions @Al

 

[Cloaked]

I've sold many forums. I've also merged forums. I have never had one user ask to be removed. I never really thought it to be a problem.

If a person wanted to be removed I am sure the new owner would oblige them.