The study is an analysis of certain legal limitations on access to and disclosure of disaster management data within the US that will be important to consider in developing a national component of the GDIN, that being the National Disaster Information Network. With respect to the Privacy issue, Dr. Gaines said the FGDC is in good shape because of its well thought out Privacy Policy. Regarding liability issues, Dr. Gaines stated that if you provide standards or any kind of indication of quality or integrity then you may be liable for misuse. A question was raised as to if you document data and someone misuses the data, are you liable. Dr. Gaines says he suspects this will have to be tested in the courts.
Data quality is subjective.
Dr. Gaines encouraged everyone should take a look at the report and bring this issue to the table at a future meeting. It was suggested that at that future, there be knowledgeable legal council. Discuss legal liability issues at future meeting. A brief, still in draft form, Digital Earth video was played for the group. A suggestion was made to mention the Digital Earth and the FGDC web sites at the end of the video.