ACLU backs Amazon in North Carolina privacy dispute

The state of North Carolina's attempts to secure the private records of Amazon customers are unconstitutional, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

The ACLU sent a letter Thursday to North Carolina Secretary of Revenue Kenneth Lay threatening legal action if North Carolina persists in demanding more information on Amazon.com purchases made by state residents. "The Constitution guarantees Americans the right to read and buy the lawful materials of their choice without the government keeping tabs on the details of their purchases," said Aden Fine, staff attorney with ACLU's Speech, Privacy and Technology project. "Amazon was right to stand up for the rights of its customers and refuse to turn over their personal information to the North Carolina Department of Revenue."