Chapter two
2.10- No it is not a violation of privacy because the United States does not have comprehensive federal legislation regulating personal data collection and use.
2.11- a. I can easily see the arguments involved that are for and against that policy. For example, an argument against it would be that it is an invasion of privacy, each person has the right to keep their name in secrecy. Often stalkers violate people by looking them up through their number, and it would be a security issue if people were able to get other people’s names by typing their number into a phone. Arguments for the policy would be that you could find a persons name if it is an emergency, or if a prank caller is harassing you, you will be able to get their name, it would also be helpful to know who you are calling or talking to.
I think it is a bad policy because it is not respecting people’s rights and privacy.
b. It might change their use and impact because they are a lot easier to access on the Web opposed to book form and people use the Internet a lot more.
2.12- a. It would have been less likely if they were in paper files because they would then have to be processed through a postal system and it would be harder to gain access to the documentation because they would be in one remote place, opposed to the Internet that is a huge space.
b. It could have been prevented if the health department had more security on the AIDS files and limit the access to employees.
2.13 a. The government’s arguments in support of this action are that they need a proper collection of each small business because they have to be entered into a federal database to ensure there is no illegal activity going on and to collect taxes for the people. Privacy advocates would give the argument that small businesses have the right to pay the taxes when they deem necessary and that it is a violation of privacy to track a business down to collect money.
b. I think it should be permitted because it helps the government track down offenders of the law that do not pay taxes and it can help catch criminals.
2.14 Arguments in favor are that it would be easier to track down drug offenders and you would be able to have access to the databases that can help find the voters and conduct investigations weather illegal activity is taking place or not. Arguments against it are that it would be invading people’s privacy and as a result it would be against the law, and the FBI or IRS has no right to have those records. I believe the argument against it is stronger because they raise more valid point of why it should be private.
2.15 Advantages of the expanded database are that the NICB could find out more crimes that occured in the insurance agencies, because they can not all be seen as suspicious. The privacy concerns are that it makes everyone with an insurance claim a suspect in crimes and they would have access to private things.
2.16 The reasons for this are that it would be increasingly simple to find out if a person is a threat to the country, if they are not from the country, and if they have any criminal affiliations. Some risks are that the FAA would have a great deal of social security numbers in their possession and it would be difficult to keep them all private. I believe it is a good idea because it will keep the country safe and stop any possible terrorist threats.
2.17 They can get information from credit reports on credit card databases.
