Online Privacy

Microsoft adds privacy tools to IE8

Blake — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:49:09 -0400

Microsoft Corp. today spelled out new privacy tools in Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) that some have dubbed "porn mode" in a nod to the most obvious use of a browser privacy mode.

A privacy advocate applauded the move, calling it a "great step forward," while rival browser builder Mozilla Corp. said it is working to add similar features to a future Firefox.

The Eternal Value of Privacy

Blake — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 06:32:52 -0400

Bruce Schneier:

Too many wrongly characterize the debate as "security versus privacy." The real choice is liberty versus control. Tyranny, whether it arises under threat of foreign physical attack or under constant domestic authoritative scrutiny, is still tyranny. Liberty requires security without intrusion, security plus privacy. Widespread police surveillance is the very definition of a police state. And that's why we should champion privacy even when we have nothing to hide.

Privacy Concerns with Facebook Applications

Jaclyn_McKewan — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:24:11 -0400

The Wikinomics blog has a post about potential privacy concerns that result from using Facebook applications:

"...many people do not realize that by adding these applications, they’re giving the applications (and therefore the application’s developer(s)) access to their personal information — irrespective of any privacy settings that a user may choose."

Anti-terror Threat to Librarian Role Now Seen in UK

birdie — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:13:24 -0400

The U.K.'s The Bookseller reports that "Police forces are requesting information on the library borrowing records of individuals under police surveillance.

The requests are understood to centre on areas with a high Muslim population. John Pateman, head of libraries in Lincolnshire, criticised the development, saying it went against library ethics and could damage community cohesion. “It concerns me. Public libraries are one of the last public spaces where people don’t have to justify themselves,” he said.

Warwickshire head of libraries Ayub Khan said that librarians “right across the country” had seen instances where the police have asked for library records—“not just books, but also access to records of the internet sites individuals have visited”. Another librarian confirmed direct experience of such a police request.

Librarians’ concerns come after controversy in the US, where surveillance in libraries became a major public issue following the passing of the 2001 US Patriot Act. "

What a librarian can teach you about privacy

Blake — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:13:43 -0400

Over On Computer World Mark Hall Writes: Let's face it: When it comes to keeping data secure, there's plenty that IT can learn from librarians. Just as ALA members ensure that their patrons' reading habits remain strictly private by establishing privacy audits, so, too, can CIOs audit their systems to ensure that customer and employee data is protected, says Caldwell-Stone. Privacy audits keep customer and employee content under wraps and can protect companies from embarrassing revelations. Librarians have been trained to consider privacy ramifications surrounding access to content. They guard those rights vigorously and are a great example for CIOs designing secure systems. Just ask them. Quietly, of course.

Bill Would Outlaw Targeted Web Ads

Blake — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:38:29 -0400

Gary Price pointed the way to This One on a recently drafted bill in NY that would require Web advertising companies, such as AOL, Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo, to get a Web surfer's permission before tracking Web movements and displaying ads based on those movements.

WorldCat.org and User Privacy?

InfoGeek — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:41:49 -0400

While browsing blogs during the NCAA Tourney today, I came across a reference to a book that I thought would be good for my library (academic business school), so I hopped over to WorldCat.org after not seeing it in our online catalog.

I started to register and save the page, but saw this in the abbreviated Terms of Service dialog:

A. You grant to OCLC unlimited and unrestricted use of all data submitted by you to this site.

That's pretty sweeping. But surely, they won't sell my email to marketers, right. I mean, this is OCLC, yes -- founded by librarians, for librarians -- zealous defenders of personal privacy?

I searched the full TOS for references to the uses of gathered data and user privacy -- no explicit prohibition of sharing. I also searched the full "Privacy Policy" for anything that might indicate that my email was not for sale -- nothing there either.

Now I'm willing to admit that my focus on the legalese may not be the best today due to March Madness; but its a little troubling to me to read "A." above and then find nothing to convince me that my email won't be re-sold.

This may also be of more concern if your library, like mine, seems to be in a headlong rush to buy WorldCat Local.

Did I miss something in the policies? Is this FUD? More eyes on the policies would be appreciated.

The Privacy Toolbox: 100 Guides and Resources for Keeping Your Personal Information Safe

Blake — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:49:11 -0400

Today’s online culture of banking, blogging, social networking and shopping makes it easier than ever for those with nefarious intentions to steal your personal information. Social Security numbers, credit cards and online passwords are all at risk if you don’t keep your personal information secure both online and off. While there is no way to make identity theft a non-issue, there are a number of things that you can do to help ensure that your data is as secure as it possibly can be. Here are 100 places to start researching how to keep your information away from prying eyes.

Gossip web site on college campuses

zzshupinga — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:44:30 -0500

This is an interesting article on what is basically a gossip site geared toward college students. It's also kinda of scary at whats being posted on there and the owners response from requests by his alma mater. I am impressed with the actions of the students in taking a stand.

Google Health is coming

zzshupinga — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:41:12 -0500

Google Health is coming soon. Phil Bradley posts this screenshot of the page. Kinda of creepy that Google (sorry, the all knowing one) is moving in this direction. It's still about making information accessible , as outlined in this post, but I'm not sure I'd want Google to be the one doing this.