Introduction Computers are not necessary for invasion, but make the collection, analysis, storage, access, and distribution of large amts. Fed gov t maintains more than 2000 databases containing personal info. Many agencies perform computer matching and computer profiling. IRS uses computers to match tax data on individuals and small businesses with a variety of federal and state gov t records.
Any agency can enter records and access records entered by others.
Lack of control lead to abuse of police power and privacy, as well as accuracy. Tracked people-opponents of Vietnam war. People whose records accessed not informed. Other law-enforcement examples To enforce drug laws, fed gov t maintains a database of people who have bought certain prescription medications. Proctor and Gamble suspected leak of confidential info.