ComputerWorld has been doing an excellent job of covering privacy concerns on the ‘net. Lack of good privacy policy keeps me from buying anything on the Internet using a credit card. I’m sure this is an impediment to commercial activity on the ‘net for others as well and I don’t think the government is doing enough.
Let me relate my own story. Early in 2000 I noticed that my name and address were on an Industry Canada Web site. I was concerned that someone had enough information to assume my identity so I e-mailed Industry Canada to have my name and address removed and/or have them log access using passwords. Apparently the minister responsible can display what he wants where he wants, by law.
Undaunted I wrote my Member of Parliament who forwarded my request to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada in March 2000. Almost a year later, Feb 2, 2001, I have been successful in removing part of my address. This is the end of the case and my story. Draw your own conclusions about the effectiveness of the new privacy law.
As a footnote I’d like to add that ComputerWorld shows good sense and consideration of privacy in printing only a name and partial address when identifying editorial authors. Thank you.
Dave Grimshire
Lower Sackville, N.S.