What are the legal ramifications of storing customer's hard drive data?

I plan to open a small business doing computer repair work and I'd like to store the data on my customers computers before any service is performed just to prevent myself from losing any of my clients important files.



Does anyone know what trouble I risk getting into by storing this data for a maximum of 30 days after service is finished?



Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it!What are the legal ramifications of storing customer's hard drive data?
I don't know for sure, but you should just notify your customers and have them sign a waiver if you are worried.What are the legal ramifications of storing customer's hard drive data?
always remember its never illegal, till your caught What are the legal ramifications of storing customer's hard drive data?
Remember, you can get sued for just about anything today, so I'd really think about that before doing such a thing without informing them and then having them sign consent to do so.
This is an important question, one you should ask an attorney that specializes in the area.



Without clear consent that a a court would accept, you risk running afoul of DMCA (see wikipedia) and similar laws.



Not only that, but you run the risk of having copies of illegal material, including but not limited to child porn, copyrighted files, and material subject to non-disclosure agreements.



You may also have certain legal obligations to report if you find that kind of material, esp. child porn. My local repair shop has a sign in their window to that effect.



Finally, before copying and taking these risks, be sure your business is properly incorporated so your personal liability is limited. Your attorney can advise and assist you on that - don't try to do that yourself with such risks, if you get it wrong, you go to jail.

myrtle

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