Carroll County Times Articles
My Information & the Internet
by Catherine McDonald – January 14, 2007
Is Information Safe?
If I use the Internet, how can I protect my privacy? Many people believe that if they do not use the Internet then their information is safe. The companies that we use, the banking that we use, the credit cards that we use, all of this information is posted in the company databases. If you see an option for online banking, that means that your bank must have the ability to let you see your information on the Internet. If they don't have good safeguards to protect their information, then your information may be stolen. Assuming all of those databases are kept safe, there is still the issue of your personal information and public records.
Freedom of Information Act
Government information is known as “public records”. Any personal information you provide becomes part of the public record, and may be shared with the public if not protected by state or federal law. Federal laws state that the public must be able to inspect the government to ensure that the government is acting fairly and that information is accurate ( Freedom of Information Act ). Federal laws also state that “everyone” must be able to see his or her records ( Privacy laws ).
Public Record Examples
As the government becomes more “electronically” accessible, more and more personal ( but not private ) information is made available to the public. Here are some examples of public records containing personal information available through the Internet:
- Property tax assessor files
- Name
- Description
- Assessed value
- Blueprints
- Photographs
- Motor vehicle records ( varies by state )
- Registered voter files ( some states restrict )
- Court files
- Tax liens
- Judgments
- Bankruptcy files
- Criminal arrest
- Conviction records
- Warrants
Correcting the Issue
In 2003, a test of Maryland state agencies revealed that people seeking public records have about a 60% chance of getting what they are legally entitled to get. Often they will face improper questioning about who they are, why they want the record, and who they work for. New training has been initiated by the state to correct these problems.
( 11/23/2003, The Associated Press )
This problem becomes an issue of ensuring that the government acts honorably ( by allowing us access to “audit” the information ) and yet protects “my information” from everyone else. Security of information and easy access to information can be mutual exclusives.
What Can I Do?
Read the privacy statements of businesses. When dealing with the government, ask about privacy policies. Ask your government officials ( when you sell property, go to court, get a driver's license ), “Do you sell or post information?” If they do post information ask, “What security measures are you using?” and “If you post the wrong information, what can I do to ensure that the information is corrected?” It's worth the time taken to be aware, ask questions, and check out the Internet sites that might have your information.
For additional information see;
About the Author
Catherine McDonald is President of A & O Computer Consultants, specializing in Homeland Security, and a member of the Carroll Technology Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating businesses, government and residents about technology issues. Questions are welcomed and may be addressed in future articles. Email advisors@carrolltechcouncil.org or go to www.carrolltechcouncil.org for a list of Advisor categories.
The viewpoints expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Carroll Technology Council.
