New Bill on Wireless Privacy

Reps. Markey, Pitts Introduce Wireless 411 Privacy Bill to Protect Consumers: Press Release, November 20, 2003 Statement of Introduction, November 20, 2003 Bill Text, November 20, 2003 The following text is quoted from the press release and specifies provisions of the Act: “Opt In” for Existing Users – wireless carriers must have clear preauthorization from …

Subjects: Legislation, Privacy, Wireless Web

Study on Legal Issues Associated With E-Mail Retention

The American Records Management Association Education Foundation sponsored a research project by John C. Montaña, J.D., titled Legal Obstacles to E-Mail Message Destruction (42 pages, pdf), published October 19, 2003. The report addresses risk management associated with e-mail retention, the definition and legal status of e-mail, state, federal and foreign government laws associated with the …

Subjects: E-Government, E-Mail

New Survey Indicates Growing Consumer Concern With ID Theft

A recently conducted customer information protection survey highlights increasing consumer concerns regarding the security of their personal data in online transactions, especially in the e-tail arena. The survey identifies specific companies (including American Express, eBay and AOL) and industries (including hospitals, pharmacies and banks) in whom respondents indicated particular trust.

Subjects: E-Commerce, ID Theft

Hearing on Freedoms After 9/11

“America after 9/11: Freedom Preserved or Freedom Lost?” Senate Judiciary Committee, Full Committee, hearing held November 18, 2003. Unfortunately, at this time no testimony or member statements have been posted online. However, here is a link to the testimony of the ACLU’s Nadine Strossen (thanks Marv!), to the testimony of the CDT’s James Dempsey, and …

Subjects: Freedom of Information

Audit of Freedom of Information Requests Highlights Gov’t Delays

From the National Security Archive at George Washington University: Justice Delayed is Justice Denied – The Ten Oldest Pending FOIA Requests – Some FOIA Requests Wait More Than Ten Years Without Being Processed- Annual FOIA Reports Do Not Answer Congress’s Question: How Long Does a FOIA Requester Wait? [Link] The National Security Archive, Freedom of …

Subjects: Freedom of Information

Internet Telephony Subject to FCC Regs in 2004?

In October I posted Minnesota Cannot Regulate Internet Telephony, and now note the growing interest on the federal level to regulate this technology by the end of 2004. On October 20, 2003 the Federal Communications Commission Technical Advisory Council (TAC) held a meeting on the topic of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The agenda is …

Subjects: Internet

E-Mail Publisher’s Commentary on CAN-SPAM Act

The CAN-SPAM Act of 2003: Real Reform or Political Pork? by Neil J. Squillante: “Many of my peers in the online marketing industry claim that requiring permission (opting in) would destroy email’s commercial potential. I disagree and can personally attest to the fact that permission is good for business. If companies produce outstanding email newsletters …

Subjects: Congress, E-Commerce, E-Mail, Legislation, Privacy