Can Moderator/ Owners from Yahoo group (free-cycle) really ask U for personal information before you can join?

Question

I mean I can understand them making sure you live in the area. I was told tonight that I needed to give them my Full name, Address, and phone number before I can join. Would you do this? Can they do this? Has anyone else from a free cycle group ever had to give this information to join? It just sound wrong to me!

Answer 1

yes each group on yahoo can decide for themselves who joins their group. sometimes they may request more info before allowing entry.

Answer 2

They can ask you whatever they want. But you providing the answers is another question. You will have to weigh the option of your personal information vs. how bad you want to join this group.

My opinion is that no group is worth giving out private information at the beginning of your membership. There is a potential for severe danger (Exposure to inappropriate material, Physical danger, Unwanted advertising and marketing, Financial risks, Harassment and bullying, Exploitation, Unreliable information, & Spam). Maybe IF I have been a member for a long while and trust the group and IF I REALLY need to provide the information then I would consider it. Otherwise, a group is there to share information with ONLINE on a certain topic. Why would they need your personal information when they can contact you through email and the group?

Answer 3

with any Yahoo group, some ask for private info (maybe more so with freecycle type groups) and those groups often deny memberships if that info isn't provided. however many groups do not ask for such things. regardless if it's a Yahoo group (freecycle or not) a web site or anyone you do not know, giving your private info puts you at potential risk. Any group can make up it's own rules, some rules may limit their member count. it's up to you though, if you provide that info or not.