What is your experience as to the type and amount of your personal identity information that providers require? Some require employer info, which seems risky. I assume that everything they learn about you goes into a permanent database. Where do you draw the line?

Get P411 or Date Check.

They are reputable companies with a long history of discretion.  They will ask for personal info to verify you are not LE or an ax murderer but none of your info is passed to the provider.

Some providers will ask for more extensive information.  The reputable ones will NOT keep any of your info after they verify you.  (if you think about it, keeping a file of client's personal info creates a potential HUGE liability for them).

You draw the line where you are comfortable.  No one can tell you what to do in this case.  If a lady asks for more than you are willing to share, let her know your concerns.  Either she will work with you on alternate means of screening, or you will move on to another provider.

See providers who don't require verification. There are plenty on bp. You can use the TER reviews to see which are real, etc. There have been some bad experiences with LE, pimps robbing providers(heard about a local provider getting all her clothes taken along with 3000 in cash in NYC), bad clients, that is why providers require so much information these days.

...but just the simple act of sending an e-mail to a courtesan, goes into a database of sorts.  

   Verification sites are great, but many ladies still require personal information.  Reputable ladies, and reputable agencies have too much to lose, by being sloppy with gentlemen's information.  We know how to keep it safe, via encryption, codes, etc.  

   As Yoko said, use your big head.  I am sure I turn away many delightful gentlemen, but unless I have all the information I ask for, I will not entertain them.  

   I enjoy another profession, and I always tell gentlemen, that my risk is no greater than theirs; equal to maybe, but not greater.

Hugs and Kisses,
Kelly

Screening works and protects both ways. I will NOT see a provider that doesn't screen. And, I won't see a lady that doesn't have a significant online presence: at least three of these: P411, D-C, TER reviews (or other legit review site), personal web site. Once I am convinced she is legit, then it is my turn to convince her that I am legit, and that she should take time out of her busy schedule to see me. BTW, I did have to reveal employer information to the first lady I saw. Not since. And yes, I still see her when I can.

Just as you said, we both have too much to lose to be sloppy and not be sure that the person on the other side of the door is legit. Surprises in this business are generally not good.

Yeah, I am all for the provider being safe but too many times I have read of a provider or agency getting busted and a huge client list gets revealed. All this talk about encryption and what not doesn't mean anything when a federal or state court forces them to reveal information they need. The more information you give about yourself gives them more probable cause to drag you through the system.  

As others have said, you have to find the right balance of risk vs reward you are willing to take.

Cheers