Computer Privacy and Computer Security
ResearchPublished 1974
ResearchPublished 1974
In this discussion of legislation to protect the citizen against harm resulting from the use of information contained in computer data systems, several important questions emerge: Would the legislation apply to the public sector or to government — Federal? State? Local? Should it apply equally or separately to the private sector? Would a regulatory agency or a judicial system enforce the law? Who will define what "harm" is? What about the Social Security number as an ad hoc personal identifier? The author suggests (1) passage of a broad-gauge omnibus bill applicable to the public sector only but making every individual liable for harm caused by misuse or abuse of personal information; (2) treatment of private-sector problems by specific legislation as difficulties are discovered; (3) creation of legislation prohibiting use of the Social Security number as a personal identifier, except as provided by Federal law, but providing a mechanism for granting exceptions.
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