My Privacy Places
During the 60s, I remember hearing predictions that one day the oceans of this world would be "polluted" by man. Like most people, at that time, I believed the oceans were an infinite resource that were beyond the finite influence of mortals.

During the 80s, stories surfaced about the potential effects of technology on mankind. Again, I thought the predictions foolish. They anticipated a day when man would serve the machine. A time where the human privacy would be balanced against the requirements of the machine.

Again, I thought the warnings were unwarranted. Most Canadians are unaware that the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act Bill (C-54) has recently come into law. It provides a framework through which private information can flow between countries. It lays the groundwork for e-business & e-government. It outlines how private information can be commercialized in the new economy.

Take a look at some news stories that have appeared during the first few days since the bill passed into law.

  Title Source Date
  Ontario considering retinal, fingerprint I.D. cards Toronto Star January 8, 2001
  Medical Files Should Be Owned By Patients Toronto Star January 9, 2001
  Smart card chills privacy experts Toronto Star January 15, 2001
  Hands Off Toronto Star January 15, 2001
  Health files to get extra guard Toronto Star January 16, 2001
  Casino chief defends covert facial scanning of patrons National Post January 17, 2001
  Gaming boss says we didn't need to know about spying Hamilton Spectator January 17, 2001
  Mounties use secret cameras at Pearson Toronto Star January 19, 2001
       
As if that's not enough, here's some additional reading.
  Title Source Date
  Quebec to probe computer files theft Toronto Star March 6, 1997
  Management of the Social Insurance Number (September 1998 Report) Committee on Public Accounts 1998
  SOME SMART CARD/TECHNOLOGY LINKS C. A. MacDonald & Associates -
 

A Single I.D. card?

Toronto Star July 2, 1997
  20th Report to the House Standing Committee on Public Accounts February 1999
  Privacy vs Savings Ottawa Citizen February 1997
  More Privacy Links Internet 2001
  Even More Links - 1998 Auditor's Report Internet 2001
  Outsourcing Big Brother (EDS in the UK) Wired 1996

Got any good stories or links you'd like included? To write me, click here

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