[phaemon]

> Can you please send me a copy of your last 3 tax returns?

Options:

A) Sure, here you go. Oh wait! I didn't mean to send you those. You tricked me and stole my information. I'm going to send 15 police officers round to arrest you and then you're going to prison for years.

B) No, that's confidential.

^^ Which option do you think is more reasonable?

[harryh]

A) is not comparable to the current situation because you are the one initiating the action. I can't stop you from sending me an email so it can't be a crime on my part if you do so.

[phaemon]

No, you are initiating the action by requesting the file from me. You did request the file didn't you? Even though you should have known it wasn't public information?