When it comes to customer data, privacy and value can be in direct competition. RadioShack’s latest move is a good example.

Earlier this week, RadioShack, which filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February, commenced an auction of some intellectual property and other intangible assets. Bidding for the assets has purportedly reached $17.3 million to date. Part of the assets that RadioShack is hoping to auction off, and likely one of its most valuable assets, is its customer database, reportedly consisting of 8.5 million customer email addresses and 67 million customer name and postal address files.