By 1812Blockhouse
Attorney General Dave Yost recently announced new consumer protections aiming to safeguard Ohioans from having their signatures used without consent. The rule introduces stringent consent and transparency requirements for businesses collecting signatures, ensuring individuals retain control over how their identity is represented.
Protecting Your Identity with Stronger Laws
Attorney General Yost emphasized the significance of the new rule, stating, “A signature is a symbol of your identity, and you alone should decide how it’s used.” This initiative fills a legal gap, addressing concerns about unauthorized use of signatures in communications such as letters and emails.
The rule prohibits businesses from including a person’s signature in any communication unless the individual has explicitly given permission. This protection applies to both handwritten and electronic signatures, adding a layer of security against deceptive practices.
New Requirements for Transparency and Consent
The new rule demands that businesses collecting signatures for non-transactional purposes:
- Obtain explicit affirmative consent – Individuals must provide a clear “yes” before their signatures can be used.
- Disclose intended use – Businesses must clearly explain:
- The specific messages associated with the signature.
- Instances when and how the signature will appear.
- The author of the message.
- Who will receive the message.
By ensuring full transparency, the rule empowers consumers to make informed decisions about how their signatures are used.
Violations and Enforcement
Businesses that fail to comply with these new requirements face serious consequences. Violations are classified as deceptive acts under Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act. The Attorney General’s Office is authorized to take legal action against offending entities, reinforcing accountability.
The rule was introduced after numerous Ohioans reported unauthorized use of their signatures in letters, leading Yost to address this oversight in state law. Public support for the change was overwhelming, with nearly 300 Ohioans voicing approval during the comment period.
Enhancing Consumer Confidence
With these new safeguards, Ohio residents can have greater confidence that their signatures will not be misused. Attorney General Yost’s efforts to strengthen transparency and consent demonstrate a commitment to protecting consumers from deceptive practices.
