Kevin Elliott wrote:
(regarding collection of personal data by corps)
> The
> information being gathered is not secret, nor is the information
> being gathered (generally speaking) using inherently illegal (or
> immoral) techniques.
Agreed. The only reason it's a serious problem that needs to be
addressed is, these data are used as a person's identity---for credit,
employment, whatever.
The real solution is not to legislate the collection and distribution
of personal information, but to change the effect disclosure of the
data has on a person's life. Disclosure of my social security number
would be less traumatic, and less likely, if it were used only as an
index into my (alleged) retirement account. It's sensitive only because
it has morphed into my government-issued ID number.
Unfortunately, the governmental and corporate regime is unlikely to move
away from the current uses of personal data. It's easier and cheaper to
pass laws attempting to sweep back the tide than to come up with a
secure system.
--
Steve Furlong, Computer Condottiere Have GNU, will travel
518-374-4720 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
