Connecticut Governor Seeks to Protect Personal Data Online 59
Technical Writing Geek alerts us to a report that Connecticut governor Jodi Rell has begun to develop legislation to create an "opt-out" registry to prevent the distribution of personal information on the internet. The registry would be analogous to the "Do Not Call" list. This comes after Rell received many complaints about the availability of personal data from directory assistance sites such as WhitePages and 411.com. While Rell understands that the "sites are breaking no law by gathering and disseminating this information," the legislation will add to the work she has done to re-evaluate the disposition of private data. Where do we draw the line between free speech and privacy in the information age? From the Journal Inquirer:
"'Privacy concerns are constantly evolving,' Rell said. 'We must not only keep up with them but do our best to stay ahead of the curve.' Rell said she will ask state agencies to review private information about residents that the state collects, manages, and distributes."
Re:Opt-out? Meh. (Score:1, Informative)
Why do you think it works?
I get cold calls and personally addressed spam and only competitors, not recipients, have the right to sue about that.
I have to publish my personal address in whois databases if I want a domain name.
I have to present my id-card to get a prepaid mobile phone.
ID cards and passports come with RFID chips which contain digital biometric pictures and fingerprints.
There's private video surveillance everywhere.
All phone call metadata, including location information, is going to be recorded and stored for six months beginning next tuesday.
It is technically illegal to keep web server log files with IP addresses, but everybody (including government) does it and there's nothing anybody can do about it.
Re:What about the data of 600 students in CT (Score:2, Informative)