Two Columbia University scientists have discovered a photo technique that allows the analysis of the high-resolution photographs of human subjects that reveal what they are looking at when the picture is taken. The technique allows for reproduction of wide-angle views from the left and right and slightly behind that are captured in the subject�s cornea. The algorithms used will allow the tracking of exactly where a person is looking, which video surveillance systems might find useful.
A group gathered in Las Vegas says that RFID tags are being developed without security in mind. It may be only a matter of time, without public intervention, before these tags replace the bar code on most commercial items. The problem is that the 128 bytes of data can be visible to anyone with a reader, and with too few tags having write protection. However, consumers should have the ability to rewrite or destroy the RFID tag information to preserve privacy.
The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse found in a survey of 50 online pharmacies that only 22% followed federal HIPAA privacy-notice requirements that they protect consumer information. This is the first such survey of online pharmacies, which routinely solicit customers directly. HIPAA went into effect April 2003 and established national standards for the handling of patient medical information.
An editorial spells out the dilemma for the residents of Nassau County, New York who are faced with an aggressive local tax collector. It is estimated that 100,000 illegal basement offices are present in the county with is seeking additional tax revenue. The concern is that the legal designation of "accessory apartments" may be used to invade the privacy right of homeowners.
A suit filed in Florida charges that doctors provided the names of patients to a pharmaceutical representative who used the information to send unsolicited samples of a new Prozac weekly medication to them. One of the recipients a 15 year-old had not been prescribed the drug. The doctors supplied their signatures on blank piece of their office stationary, which was used as a cover letter accompanying the package of medication.
A lesson that Keith Emerich of Pennsylvania has learned after the Department of Transportation for the state informed him that his drivers� license was being revoked. He was told that they were informed that he had a drinking problem. What he had was a health problem that required a visit to the hospital for a heart condition. During the admission and diagnostic process he was asked about his consumption of alcohol. His honest reply about how much beer he consumed resulted in legally required notification to the PennDOT by the hospital of his answer.
The Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee was told by privacy advocates that the use of RFID tags if left unregulated could threaten consumer privacy. The new technology can be applied to any product, which would facilitate tracking items in the manufacturing and distribution chain. However, if personally identifiable information is associated with the RFID tage on a purchase then that could compromise consumer privacy.
Acting TSA Administrator David Stone reported to a Senate Committee that the CAPPSII program would not go forward as initially proposed due to privacy concerns raised by a recent GAO report critical of the program. The Department of Homeland Security had hoped to begin testing the CAPPS II program with real passengers this Summer.
A vote on an Amendment that would have taken the teeth out of Section 215, which address access to the records of Libraries and bookstores, found in the Patriot Act was initially successful by a vote of 219 to 201. Unfortunately the vote was extended beyond the time alloted until nine Congressman could be pressured into changing their vote resulting in a 210 to 210 tie. The House Rules determine that the Amendment was rejected due to the tie vote.
The collection of DNA samples is on the rise nationwide. Genetics as a tool for crime fighting is fueling the demand for DNA databases. Several states, which include Louisiana, Virginia, and Texas already, require the collection of DNA samples as part of the booking process. A DNA fingerprint initiative is on the California November Ballot. If it becomes law it would mandate the immediate collection of DNA for all suspects arrested in murder or rape cases. Starting in 2009 all felony arrest would be required to provide DNA samples.
The privacy law landscape is changing so quickly that it is difficult to keep up with the changes. Failing to keep up with the changes in law could be very costly for businesses. However, consumers are better served by understanding their privacy rights and exercising those rights will help. The better consumers know their rights the more companies will want to know what the law says they must do to meet new commercial privacy standards of conduct.
The results of a survey found that when companies operate in multiple nations they are better off if they follow the privacy guidelines of the country with the tightest rules. A third of the companies participating in the survey had experienced adverse results from charges of violating privacy laws.
Children as young as two years are having their personal information traded and sold in the market place. Under the guise of pageants, camps, and fast food restaurant coupons more personally identifiable information on children is finding its way into the commercial trade on personal information according to a Seattle Times Editorial. The editorial supports the need for a bill introduced by Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, titled the Children's Listbroker Privacy Act. The bill would ban the trade in children�s personally identifiable information.
Gateway Corporation best known for its "Hooked on Phonics" educational material was fined by the Federal Trade Commission for violating their own customer privacy policy. The company was accused of changing its privacy policy from not sharing customer data to sharing it with third parties and did not inform their customers of the change. They then reportedly rented direct marketers their list of customer information. The data disclosed to direct marketers did involve in some cases information on children.
The Transportation Security Administration, an office in the Department of Homeland Security has announced in the Federal Register, its intention to change federal regulation for eight areas as they relate to the Privacy Act. One of the areas to be excluded comes under the head of the agency's General Council. This move may complicate the efforts of those who are listed on do-not-fly list to discover the nature of the information the agency is basing its decision upon.
A new disturbing anti-privacy trend in the form of hidden camera technology is making the workplace a challenge for privacy advocates. A Norfolk Virginia man is facing charges after being accused of video taping a minor in the restroom of a grocery store. A number of similar cases have emerged across the country prompting some local, state, and federal policy makers to consider new laws to dissuade this form of privacy invasions.
A federal appeals court panel has ruled that e-mail providers may make copies of messages intended for their subscribers. This decision could extend e-mail monitoring by businesses and government. The 2-1 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit of Massachusetts presents a challegnge to privacy advocates at a time when the Google's G-Mail proposal is being debated.
