Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, what defines a 'customer'?

The definition of 'customer' under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act is specifically focused on the relationship between consumers and financial institutions. A customer is characterized as a consumer who has an ongoing, established relationship with the financial institution. This typically implies that the individual has engaged in transactions that go beyond mere inquiries or interest in services, indicating a deeper interaction, such as opening an account, obtaining a loan, or utilizing investment services.

This distinction is crucial because the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act imposes certain privacy regulations and obligations on financial institutions concerning their customers. It ensures that personal financial information is protected and requires institutions to provide privacy notices to those with whom they maintain this ongoing relationship.

In contrast, options that refer to mere inquiries, random selections for feedback, or anyone engaging with a company do not reflect the established, ongoing relationship necessary to be classified as a customer under the act. The focus is on the continuity and nature of the interaction with the financial institution, making the definition significant in terms of how consumer privacy is managed.