The Justice Collaborative has launched a free online background check tool that enables individuals across the United States to conduct swift searches of public records. This development arrives as the global background check market, valued at $4.71 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.42%, reaching $6.47 billion by 2028 according to recent market research.
The tool addresses increasing demand for accessible verification services, with millions of background checks conducted annually for purposes ranging from reconnecting with acquaintances to vetting neighbors and enhancing online dating security. Unlike many existing services with fees or complex interfaces, TJC's offering provides nationwide access at no initial cost, democratizing information access regardless of technical expertise or financial means.
For HR vendors and talent management professionals, this development signals shifting expectations around information accessibility. While the tool is primarily designed for personal use, its existence may influence how individuals approach background verification in their professional lives. The Justice Collaborative emphasizes the importance of understanding Fair Credit Reporting Act compliance for those using background checks for professional purposes such as tenant or employee screening.
The background check market's projected growth to $6.47 billion by 2028 underscores the increasing importance of verification services across multiple sectors. As digital privacy and information access remain prominent concerns, tools like TJC's resource balance transparency needs with privacy considerations. This initiative represents a natural extension of The Justice Collaborative's mission to make complex legal information accessible, potentially setting precedents for more user-friendly information services.
For vendors serving the human resources industry, this development highlights evolving consumer expectations around information access and verification tools. The availability of free, user-friendly background check resources may influence how organizations approach their own verification processes and what tools they recommend or integrate into their service offerings. As the market continues expanding, initiatives like TJC's tool could shape industry standards for accessibility and user experience in information verification services.
