Date:  Mon, 28 Sep 92 18:23:08 EDT
From:  Computer Privacy List Moderator  <comp-privacy@pica.army.mil>
Newsgroups: comp.society.privacy
Subject:  Privacy and Living in Today's Society
Organization: Computer Privacy Digest
X-Submissions-To: comp-privacy@pica.army.mil
X-Administrivia-To: comp-privacy-request@pica.army.mil
X-Computer-Privacy-Digest: Volume 1, Issue 084, Message 1 of 8

  As moderator I been following the discussions about releasing private
information to other entities in this forum and others (e.g. alt.privacy,
risks, etc).  Among the topics are:

	o Social Security Numbers on checks
	o Social Security Numbers required to give blood
	o Mothers and Fathers Drug/Alcohol history in order to get a 
	   Birth Certificate (New Jersey)
	o Video Rental Records (article in this digest)
	o extended period time given to Mortgage Holder to check out
	  directly from the IRS the lenders record numbers 

  Some I feel are legitimate privacy concerns.  Technology hurts our
privacy because of the ease of which data records can be searched and
compiled on individuals.  If it wasn't for the technology I think it
would not be as much as a concern.  
  SSN (social security) are a big concern.  I use to make a big thing
about not releasing it.  My attitude now is one of "how much of a hassle
would it be for me not to release it".  If now a defacto National
Identification Number.  It is relativity trivial for one to get one's
social security number if an address or phone number is known.  
  My attitude about my personal privacy is there a few things I want
to keep private, other I don't really think care that much about.  The
things I want to keep private, it is up to *ME* to do the work.  That
means on some commercial transactions I use cash instead of plastic. Some
conversations I don't use my cordless/celluar phone or have the
conversation face to face.  I have a PO box rather a residential address.
You can't depend on the governments (fed/state/local) to safeguard your
privacy or the commercial world.
  Technology is a double edged sword.  The technology that produces the
wonderful gadgets we have (CD, TV, stereo, radio, & computer) brings
the world together.  Maybe a little bit closer together than some would
want.  It is here and there is no going back.  All in all I think the
great strides that technology has made in improving our standard of
living is worth some of the drawbacks we have to pay for it.
  I think some of the concerns about privacy are more about "being left
alone", than privacy itself.  A good example would be caller-id.  I am
more concerned about being bothered by telemarketers than I am about
somebody knowing my phone number.  I have solved the telemarketing
problem to my satisfaction while still having a listed number.
Incidently, I heard on the news today that NJ Bell is disappointed that
only 190,000 out of a possible 3,000,000 subscribers have subscribed to
Caller Id. That is about 6.3% of all eligible.  I frankly can't see
paying $6 a month for that service.  The few times I have had bad
calls, I use call return.
  So much for my ramblings.  I would like to refocus the direction of
submission to the technology aspects of privacy.  I think we have beat
to death the discussion of SSN on checks, driver licenses, etc.  Let's
talk about encrypted communications, the FBI Wiretap Bill, etc.

dennis