[Random-bits] Andrew Shen: Welcome to Safe Harbor!

[James Love]

Subject: Welcome to Safe Harbor!
   Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2000 10:08:56 -0500
   From: Andrew Shen <shen@epic.org>
 Reply-To: tacd-ecommerce@oneworld.org
      To: tacd-ecommerce@oneworld.org

Safe Harbor has begun. As with all Internet related topics, the beginning
of a new program entails the development of a new website. The U.S.
Department of Commerce has launched http://www.export.gov/safeharbor/.

As of this morning, only one company has signed up - BAE Systems of
Virginia, apparently some kind of defense contractor that does business in
Austria.

I am reading through all the materials provided on the site but one of the
most interesting documents provided is the "Safe Harbor Workbook", a primer
on Safe Harbor and privacy law written by the DOC.

Excerpt from section entitled "U.S. Approach to Privacy":

        In the United States, the importance of protecting the privacy of
        individuals' personal information is a priority for the federal
        government and consumers. Consumers repeatedly cite fears that
        their personal information will be misused as a reason for not
        doing business online. In this way, moves to bolster on-line
        privacy protect consumer interests and fuel the broader growth of
        on-line communications, innovation, and business. Self-regulatory
        initiatives are an effective approach to putting meaningful
        privacy protections in place. In certain highly sensitive areas,
        however, legislative solutions are appropriate. These sensitive
        areas include financial and medical records, genetic information,
        Social Security numbers, and information involving children.

Excerpt from section entitled "The European Approach":

        The EU's approach to privacy grows out of Europe's history and
        legal traditions. In Europe, protection of information privacy is
        viewed as a fundamental, human right. Europe also has a tradition
        of prospective, comprehensive lawmaking that seeks to guard
        against future harms, particularly where social issues are
        concerned.

        The EU began examining the impact of technology on society over
        fifteen years ago; the inquiry culminated in the adoption of a
        directive in July 1995 specifically addressing privacy issues.


Best, Andrew.



-- 
James Love  mailto:love@cptech.org http://www.cptech.org
Consumer Project on Technology, P.O. Box 19367, Washington, DC 20036
voice 1.202.387.8030  fax  1.202.234.5176