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Electronic Privacy Information Center
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Electronic Privacy Information Center
Member since : May-28-2009 (Verified)
0 Ideas, 0 Comments, 6 Votes
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User Activity Stream
Ideas Posted
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Very few Internet users really understand how persistent identifiers, such as “cookies,” record and track their online activities. But it is clear that when users take the time to examine this issue, they are not happy. This was clear when the White House initially proposed to make the President’s speeches available on YouTube without taking privacy into account. Changes were made, but the problem could have been avoided.
EPIC strongly favors public access to new media and the government’s innovative use of new technology. At the same time, we think it is unnecessary and shortsighted to allow government agencies to stalk citizens with persistent identifiers.
EPIC recommends that the administration extend the policy against persistent identifiers to all government web sites. The government should not be tracking the public’s access to government information.
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The Privacy Act is a very important, technology-neutral law that helps ensure accountability and transparency when personal information is collected by government agencies. The goal is not to limit the use of technology; it is to help ensure that new technology is used in a way to protect democratic values.
Social media, such as YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, offer exciting new opportunities for public participation in government. At the same time, these services collect detailed personal information from users, including viewing habits, IP addresses, and location. Americans should not lose Privacy Act protections simply because the federal government acquires personal information indirectly through third-party vendors.
EPIC recommends that any social network service collecting information on behalf of a federal agency comply with all Privacy Act obligations.
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People are required to provide information to the government for lots of purposes – to pay taxes, to obtain licenses, to receive benefits. The personal information that we all provide to the government should not be commercialized or data-mined. Also, our interests in government programs should not be turned over to advertisers without our consent.
EPIC recommends the use of new technology to promote the efficiency of government and to enable new forms of participation. But we also believe that this should not lead to the “monetization” of citizens.
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Public participation is the cornerstone of American democracy. When citizens take the time to participate in government, their views should be valued. A process for public comment should be open to all, easily accessible, established without favoritism, and ensure the systematic collection of the public’s views.
There are many laws that help ensure *meaningful* public participation in the decisions of government. These laws provide for public notice and opportunities for the public to express their views on the decisions that government makes. They also require that decisions are made openly and transparently. And they allow courts to decide when agencies have unfairly disregarded the opinions of the public.
EPIC recommends that the laws that help ensure meaningful public participation in decisions by government apply to all new technology platforms.
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We have open government laws and privacy laws for the federal government. Individual privacy and government transparency are complementary ideals in a democratic society. Open government helps ensure transparency and enhance public participation. Privacy protections bolster public confidence in the government’s treatment of citizens. Citizens are better able to participate in government initiatives when they are certain the Administration will safeguard their personal information.
EPIC recommends that the Administration pursue policies that support both open government and privacy protection.
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