Use and Disclosure Limits -- Video Rental Records

The video rental law, 18 U.S.C. 2710, permits video rental stores to disclose personally identifiable information about customers only:

(1) to the consumer;

(2) with the written consent of the consumer;

(3) pursuant to a Federal criminal warrant, equivalent State warrant, grand jury subpoena, or court order;

(4) to any person if the disclosure is solely the names and addresses of consumers and the consumer has had the opportunity to prohibit such disclosure;

(5) to any person if such disclosure is incident to the ordinary course of business of the video tape service provider; or

(6) pursuant to a civil court order, provided that the consumer is given notice of the relevant proceeding and an opportunity to contest the claim of the person seeking the disclosure.