We write to you as a bipartisan coalition of organizations representing a wide spectrum of constituencies to ask you to take action early this year in support of privacy protection for Americans. The right of privacy is a fundamental American value. It is recognized in our laws, in our business practices, our professional obligations, our electoral process, and our customs and traditions.
Privacy protection builds trust and confidence in new business environments.
Numerous opinion polls provide evidence of unprecedented public support for greater privacy protection. But the opportunities for an individual to secure employment, insurance, and credit, to obtain medical care, to participate in electronic commerce and the right to due process, and other legal protection are endangered by the misuse of certain personal information. Americans lack basic privacy protections. In order to protect the privacy of individuals in the information society, it is necessary and appropriate for public officials to take steps to safeguard this essential freedom. We therefore recommend the adoption of a comprehensive framework for privacy protection to safeguard the rights of Americans in the years ahead.