But nowhere in the letter is there any specific discussion of the specific threats to personal privacy by the on-line industry. Plenty of evidence was presented that the on-line industry has failed to develop adequate privacy safeguards for customers, and that even where standards are established they are often ignored. People have lost jobs. People have been stalked. Incorrect information is routinely disclosed.
Personal information is sold to strangers but is unavailable to the person to whom it refers.
None of this is reflected in the letter presented to you. Third, the FTC endorses a series of vague proposals made by industry groups without any discussion of the adequacy, desirability, or consumer acceptance of these approaches. Virtually every industry recommendation put forward at the FTC workshop requires placing new burdens on consumers to protect their privacy. Many were roundly criticized by consumer groups. None of these problems were discussed in the letter to you.