Reply #30: This is why we need legislation that protects our online and telephone privacy

[karynnj]

Yesterday, Kerry introduced legislation written to deal with this. (Coincidentally, his brother, Cam Kerry is heading Obama's task force on this.

During the process of drafting legislation, I’ve concluded that consumers should have three nonnegotiable rights. First, all firms must put procedures in place to secure personally identifiable information. Second, consumers have a right to know in clear and concise terms what firms intend to collect, why, and how it will be used. Third, consumers should be given a simple mechanism for opting out of the process.

“Information collection is now a routine part of commerce, but proper stewardship of information is as important as how it is collected. Firms should have to notify consumers when privacy policies change and allow consumers to have their information anonymized if the company goes bankrupt or they want to terminate the relationship. Companies should make an effort to minimize the data collected, ensure it is protected while being transferred, and ensure continued accuracy of information throughout the process.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x538934