Summary

This document argues that governments around the world have adopted certain core principles for information practice. "These principles are widely accepted as essential to ensuring that the collection, use, and dissemination of personal information are conducted fairly and in a manner consistent with consumer privacy interests," write the authors (Pitofsky, et.al., 1998:ii). "These core principles require that consumers be given notice of an entity's information practices; that consumers be given choice with respect to the use and dissemination of information collected from or about them; that consumers be given access to information about them collected and stored by an entity; and that the data collector take appropriate steps to ensure the security and integrity of any information collected."
The authors also argue that there should be enforcement mechanisms, noting that "voluntary adoption of the most basic fair information practice principle - notice - have fallen far short of what is needed to protect consumers," (Ibid:iii) and that there should be special protection for children. They noted especially the practice of collecting personal information from children. "The practice is widespread and includes the collection of personal information from even very young children without any parental involvement or awareness" (Ibid:5) It is worth noting that the principles are designed specifically to protect consumers, and that they are addressed specifically toward industry.
A follow-up report (Pitofsky, et.al., 2000) reiterated the core fairness principles, noted gradual improvement among websites, and pointed to the use of badges issued by certification agencies such as TRUSTe as signs that the industry was adopting self-regulation.

Content

Force:yes