Conduct Free Background Checks: Business Essential or Creepiest Use of Internet Ever?

Every once in a while I run across a technology that even I think has crossed some sort of line. BeenVerified has released Background Check [iTunes link], an app for the iPhone that lets you get all sorts of creepy information about anyone in seconds.

I tested Background Check by searching for a few co-workers, and sure enough, I was able to find their current address, relatives, and purchase price of their home in minutes. There's even a tab with data on criminal records. You can also search for their Web existence, like Web sites and online photos. (Background Check gives you three free checks per week, or you can get unlimited checks for a subscription fee of $8/month.)

Sure, there are some great reasons to want to run background checks like this. But it's so... immediate. And thorough. I find this kind of instant, easy access to everyone's most intimate details somewhat worrisome. What about you? [via PC World]