A Citizen’s Guide on Using The Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974 to Request Government Records (text version, pdf version), First Report by the Committee on Government Reform, June 23, 2003, House Report 108-172.
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Monthly Archives: June 2003
Notification of Risk to Personal Data Act Introduced
On June 26, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced legislation, S. 1350 (the Notification of Risk to Personal Data Act) “to require businesses or government agencies to notify individuals if a database has been broken into and personal data has been compromised, including Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses and credit cards. The bill is modeled, in… Continue Reading
Risks of Using Employer E-Mail for Personal Use
Perk, and peril, in employees’ attachment to e-mail: “For much of the working population, e-mail is not only available but indispensable, a tool not just for work but for maintaining personal bonds….many workers are accustomed to using a work computer and e-mail address to stay in touch with friends and family in the course of… Continue Reading
New PCs To Include Digital Rights Monitoring Controls
A Safer System for Home PC’s Feels Like Jail to Some Critics. “As PC makers prepare a new generation of desktop computers with built-in hardware controls to protect data and digital entertainment from illegal copying, the industry is also promising to keep information safe from tampering and help users avoid troublemakers in cyberspace.” For related… Continue Reading
Univ. of FL Launches Anti-Piracy System
From the Gainsvilles Sun: “In an effort to squelch the illegal sharing of copyrighted files in its residence halls, the University of Florida simultaneously launched an Internet piracy awareness campaign in the dorms and a new computer management system called ICARUS, which stands for Integrated Control Application for Restricting User Services. ICARUS monitors the UF… Continue Reading
PC Privacy Protection for Home and Work
3 to Spy on Those You Love: A review of Guardian Software’s Guardian Monitor 8.0 ($40, www.guardiansoftware.com), Spytech Software’s SpyAgent4.4 ($50, www.spytech-web.com) and Xelerate Software’s SpyPC 7.0 ($40, www.xelerate.biz). See also, Can Internet ‘Washer’ Programs Keep Web Surfing Private? Continue Reading
Google Toolbar Adds Pop-Up Blocker and Blogging Tool
The Google Toolbar Beta 2.0 introduced last week includes three major new features: a pop-up ad blocker, a tool that automatically fills-out those ubiquitous web forms requiring personal data, and a “blog this” button to post to a blog. See also the Google Toolbar Beta 2.0 Help Index and the Google Toolbar Frequently Asked Questions. Continue Reading
Rep. Sanders and Freedom to Read Protection Act
On June 23, Congressman Sanders of Vermont addressed the issue of the Freedom to Read Protection Act at the joint conference of the American Library Association and Canadian Library Association at their General Assembly Program in Toronto. Text of Sander’s statement. Continue Reading
Program to Ensure Public Access to Federally Funded Research
From the press release: The Public Library of Science is a San Francisco-based non-profit organization of scientists committed to making the world’s scientific and medical literature a public resource. Since October 2000, more than 30,000 scientists, including 13 Nobel Laureates have supported the Public Library of Science and its mission. More information about PLoS, including… Continue Reading
Commentary on Supreme Court Internet Filtering Decision
Justices Put Access to Online Information in the Wrong Hands. Also see my posting, Supreme Court Backs Net Filters For Libraries. And, a cartoon is worth a thousand words… (sent by James S. Tyre). Continue Reading
Summer Associates and the Law Library
Lost? Tap Into Law Librarian Expertise: “…a destination, one that is a must for every summer associate, is to meet, get to know and use one of your firm’s most valuable resources: the library and its librarians.” Continue Reading
National Do Not Call Registry Activated Today
From the National Do Not Call Registry homepage: “Most telemarketers cannot call your telephone number if it is in the National Do Not Call Registry. You can register your home and mobile phone numbers for free. Your registration will be effective for five years.” See the FTC press release here, and be advised of the… Continue Reading
