Intelius Shuts Down Controversial Cell Phone Directory

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

Only a few months after launching an online cell phone directory with over 90 million numbers, Intelius has shut it down, following an outcry from both the wireless industry as well as consumers.

In a press release, Liz Murray, Communications Manager at Intelius said:

“As a company, we have strived to be at the forefront of innovation. We realize that in this instance we may have been ahead of our time. Wireless carriers attempted to develop a similar product a few years ago and found the market wasn’t ready; it’s clear that the market is still not ready. We always listen carefully to our customers, which is why we recently discontinued our cell phone directory.”

People were pretty upset about the directory, and even non-tech folks like my mother-in-law were emailing me to warn me about the directory. If she heard about it, you have to believe it was a big deal. The service had been live for a few months but only received attention recently due to Intelius’ filing for an IPO.

Additionally, Verizon Wireless earlier this week called on Intelius to halt the service. A press release said:

“Stop it. This is a violation of Americans’ privacy. People expect their cell phone numbers to remain private,” said Steve Zipperstein, vice president and general counsel of Verizon Wireless. He added that Verizon Wireless intends to take whatever steps might be necessary, including litigation, to protect its customers’ numbers and privacy.

“Trolling the Internet, using data mining techniques and simply buying lists to create a directory are actions that clearly violate a consumer’s right to privacy,” Zipperstein continued. “Verizon Wireless has long refused to release our customers’ numbers and we call on legislators and policy makers to ensure that what a consumer wants to be private stays that way.”

Intelius still offers, among other services, a reverse cell phone lookup service. Intelius says this is “in keeping with the company’s mission to empower consumers with information services for personal and family safety.”

Right, as well as the fact that they charge $14.95 (only 13.46 if you join Club Intelius!), right?