>Implications?

Few, if any. The database delivered to you relies on security through obscurity, in that few people are even aware of its existence these days.

yeah I also think they're a bit paranoid, but its kinda different, the phone directory doesn't contain that kind of info (Emails, conversations, etc.), and doubt anyone would take the time to convert it to an SQL database (unless theres an API for the white pages online :D). Bottom line, we are digital merchandise, pf sounds very futuristic.

better yet, the people in this book don't act surprised that their public information is available for others to read.

Couldn't I tell the phone company to NOT include my profile in the phone book / directory they publish? I remember doing something like that with SBC - sons of you-know-what, they definitely sell out that info judging from number of crap calls I got when I was with them.

You can chose if you profile is indexable or not.

Not sure if this is still the case, but at one point you had to pay $1 a month for that privilege of having an unlisted number. Crazy!