Category «Privacy»

CDT: Passport Card Rule Will Weaken Border Security and Privacy

“Today, the Department of State released a final rule for the new “Passport Card,” which is intended to be used by American citizens who frequently travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The new rule calls for the use of “vicinity read” RFID technology without the use of encryption. This …

Subjects: E-Government, Government Documents, ID Theft, Privacy

The 2007 International Privacy Ranking

“Each year since 1997, the US-based Electronic Privacy Information Center and the UK-based Privacy International have undertaken what has now become the most comprehensive survey of global privacy ever published. The Privacy & Human Rights Report surveys developments in 70 countries, assessing the state of surveillance and privacy protection. The most recent report published in …

Subjects: Civil Liberties, E-Government, Government Documents, Internet, Privacy

2007 Annual Study: U.S. Cost of a Data Breach

Ponemon 2007 Annual Study: U.S. Cost of a Data Breach – Understanding Financial Impact, Customer Turnover, and Preventitive Solutions: This study “was derived from a detailed analysis of 35 data breach incidents. According to the study, the cost per compromised customer record increased in 2007, compared to 2006. Lost business opportunity, including losses associated with …

Subjects: Cybercrime, E-Commerce, ID Theft, Privacy

New CRS Reports on The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: A Brief Overview of Selected Issues, Updated December 14, 2007: “The current legislative and oversight activity with respect to electronic surveillance under Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has drawn national attention to several overarching issues. This report briefly outlines three such issues and touches upon some of the perspectives reflected …

Subjects: Civil Liberties, Congress, Government Documents, Legislation, Privacy

DHS releases REAL ID grant guidance and application kits

“The Department of Homeland Security released grant guidance and application kits for two grant programs totaling more than $35 million to help states prepare to implement REAL ID provisions that require a standard format for state-issued driver’s licenses. The REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program will provide $31.3 million in grants to the states to check …

Subjects: Civil Liberties, E-Government, Government Documents, Privacy

FTC Testifies on Efforts to Combat Identity Theft and Protect Consumer Privacy

Press release: “The Federal Trade Commission today told the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security that identity theft remains one of the highest priorities for the Commission, and that the agency is playing a lead role in preventing identity theft and helping those who are victimized.” Prepared Statement of the Federal …

Subjects: Congress, E-Government, ID Theft, Privacy

Digital Footprints: Online identity management and search in the age of transparency

Press release: “Forty-seven percent of internet users have searched for their own name online, but few monitor their online presence with great regularity. Fifty-three percent of internet users have searched online for information about personal and business contacts. These findings represent a significant change from when the Pew Internet Project first reported on this activity …

Subjects: Internet, Privacy

Federal Law Requires All Businesses to Truncate Credit Card Information on Receipts

Press release: “As merchants get busier with holiday shopping, the Federal Trade Commission reminds them to be sure the credit and debit card receipts they give customers comply with federal law. To reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft, the electronically printed credit and debit card receipts given to consumers must not include more …

Subjects: E-Government, Government Documents, ID Theft, Privacy

Widespread Use and Availability of Social Security Numbers Puts Americans at Risk for ID Theft

Press release: “The widespread use and availability of Social Security numbers puts Americans at risk for identity theft and should be restricted, according to Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports. The group urged policymakers to take action to protect consumers as part of a public forum on the issue organized by the Federal Trade …

Subjects: Congress, Cybercrime, Government Documents, ID Theft, Privacy

EFF Obtains Government Documents on Congressional Intelligence Briefings

“The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has received a second set of records from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) detailing behind-the-scenes briefings for lawmakers working to make substantial changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). EFF requested release of the records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) earlier this year…Last …

Subjects: Civil Liberties, Courts, E-Government, Freedom of Information, Government Documents, Privacy

FTC Offers Tutorial for Businesses on Protecting Personal Information

“Protecting the personal information of customers, clients, and employees is good business. The Federal Trade Commission has a new online tutorial to alert businesses and other organizations to practical and low- or no-cost ways to keep data secure. The tutorial, “Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business,” at www.ftc.gov/infosecurity, takes a plain-language, interactive approach to …

Subjects: E-Government, Government Documents, Privacy