BILL GATES CHECKS IN ON DATA PRIVACY

The Microsoft founder thinks there is “…a critical need for federal privacy rules that require transparency about data collection practices, grant users access to their own data and dictate what companies must do if a breach occurs,” according to an article on ZD Net News. Apparently he is joined by other companies like eBay, Hewlett-Packard, Google, Intel and Oracle. But don’t think the effort is all in behalf of the lowly consumer. What these industry giants are really looking for is one federal bill to replace all the state laws that are virtually impossible, both procedurally and economically, for business. However, Senator Patrick Leahy’s “Personal Data Privacy Act” is not the answer. There are too many loopholes for business to justify not reporting a breach, and the bill does not address the main issue: Control. Any serious federal legislation must give individuals the right to control their name and personal data, and provide them compensation when it is sold. Before Leahy gets started on this counterproductive legislation, contact your representatives: Senate; House of Representatives.