Background check from your iPhone?

My Google news filter brought to my attention this gem about Intelius' bold leap into the 21st century. In short, Intelius has released an iPhone app to instantly check a person's background, including his/her criminal records. From a technology point of view, this isn't much of a feat. But it does remind me how these "consumer reporting agencies" are fast replacing traditional sources of interpersonal information, such as character references from former employees, friend, and family members--setting aside legal implications of this app and Intelius' practice vis-a-vis ICRAA and Information Practices Act of 1977, for the time being.