A few questions about 1 action

[BJ Duncan]

G'day to all,

I have a script that obtains details of a business that wants to sign up. Part of the sign up manditory fields is the business number (ABN).
Q1. Is there a way that I can obtain that business number and have it automatically check the governing body (ASIC) to ensure that it is a legitimate business number?
Q2. Am I permitted to do this legally?
Q3. Am I obliged to inform the business filling the form that the number will be checked (if it can be done).

Thanks in advance.

[Servyces]

1. This depends if the ASIC has an API available for these kind of things.
2. As long is the information is publically available, yes.
3. Probably not, but to cover yourself you'd best mention this. This will also cover point 2, since users have to agree to their number being checked before clicking submit.