Computer Matching and Privacy
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Computer Matching and Privacy: Sources of Problems and Arguments for and against, Slides of Applications of Computer Sciences
The issues surrounding computer matching, a technique used by governments and private enterprises to cross-check and merge information on individuals. Topics include the sources of problems with computer matching, violations of privacy, arguments for and against the practice, and fair information practices. The document also discusses the economic and social issues related to privacy and the role of government regulation.
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2012/2013
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Computer Matching and Privacy
Systems Integrity: Sources ofProblems
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- Inaccurate data may be gathered, e.g.,Equifax, one of the largest credit checkcompanies, asks neighbors about you;investigators make up a lot of the data to gettheir forms completed; over 200,000complaints a year from people hurt by incorrectcredit information on them
Review: Violations of Privacy!
Privacy can be violated by:
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Intrusion (wrongful entry, hacking)
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Misuse of information - by “insiders”
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Interception of information (e.g., duringtransmission) ; and
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Information matching
COMPUTER MATCHING
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The technique of using unrelated databasesto cross check (and merge) information onindividuals.
Government agencies are motivated to identify and trackdown individuals suspected of violating the law.
Other purposes:
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Match between government employees and welfare recipients !
Required by law (1984 Deficit Reduction act) !
Locate deadbeat parents
Private enterprises do it for profit or to reduce risk.
Other Examples Of Computer Matches:!
IRS matches census information and statemotor vehicle records against federal incometax returns to tag anomalies for audit.
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Selective service system matched lists ofmale licensed drivers between the ages of 18and 20 to list of draft registrants to find “draftdodgers.”
Tavani’s Article!
Why Is Computer Matching Incompatible WithPersonal Privacy?
Exchange of information and usage of thatinformation beyond what an individual voluntarilyconsented to, creates a situation in which theindividual loses control over the information.Hence, privacy is breached.
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Herman T. Tavani ,
Computer matching and personal
privacy:can they be compatible?
CQL ‘96 Symposium
proceedings on Computers and Quality of Life, pages 97-
Computer Matching: Arguments Against!
Due Process:
a traditional investigation is triggered by someevidence of wrongdoing.
Matches are huge fishing expeditions.
This violates the 4th amendment which protectsagainst unreasonable searches and seizures.
Computer Matching: Arguments Against !
Presumption of innocence and due process:unlike other investigative procedures, whichpresume a person is innocent until provenguilty, any person whose name appears as"raw hit" is presumed to be guilty.
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Example: social security beneficiary hasbenefits cut off because records show him asdeceased.
Computer Matching: Arguments Against!
Violates privacy act, which restricts thedisclosure by federal agencies of personallyidentifiable information unless the subjectconsents.
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Exceptions made for 'routine use," defined as a use of a record for a purpose which iscompatible with the purpose for which it wascollected.
Computer Matching: Arguments Against!
"Since enforcement of the privacy act is leftentirely to the agencies it regulates, it is hardlysurprising that they have now miraculouslyestablished that any computer match is a'routine use' of personal records, requiring onlythat they publish each new match in theFederal register.”
Fair Information Practices (FIP)1973!
There are five fair information principles:
No secret databases
Individuals have right to access, inspect, review andamend
Individuals can stop use of personal info
Organizations are responsible for the damage
Governments have the right to intervene from Laudon, K. “Markets and Privacy” CACM 39(9), Sep. 1996, p92- 104
Problems with FIP!
Technologically out of date—too manydatabases
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Informed consent impractical
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Doesn’t take into account harm to the society
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Failure to specify stronger protections
Information Coping Costs!
Direct Costs: opening/responding to unsolicitedmail, e-mail, phone calls, etc.
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Indirect Costs: maintaining filters, junk-mailhandling facilities, caller ID, call block
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Tangible Costs: loss of productive/leisure time
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Intangible Costs: loss of feeling of control overone’s information, sense of security and trustfor organizations or the government
Privacy Protection Abroad: Europe!
The EU has recently passed a commonPrivacy Protection Law.
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Individual Nations, including Sweden, Franceand Britain had their own version of the booksfor quite some time.