Computer networking and sophisticated data processing are making it easier and cheaper for businesses and the government to collect … personal data … Knowing a person’s Social Security number is often enough to get into medial and financial records. A second problem is that wrong and harmful “facts” can creep into databases. Malicious tipsters can poison a person’s record with innuendo, and it takes much more effort to correct the mistake. In this environment, it is virtually inevitable that Americans will demand stronger privacy protections.
Predictor: Sussman, Vic
Prediction, in context:The 1995 book “The Information Revolution,” edited by Donald Altschiller, carries a reprint of the Jan. 23, 1995, U.S. News & World Report article “Policing Cyberspace” by Vince Sussman. Sussman explores First Amendment rights in cyberspace. He writes: ”Computer networking and sophisticated data processing are making it easier and cheaper for businesses and the government to collect … personal data, says Esther Dixon, of EDventure Holdings, which observes the computer industry. ‘It’s really simple to call up amazing stuff about anybody,’ she says. But legal access to data is only part of the problem. Another difficulty is unauthorized peeking into personal records, which Dyson says occurs with alarming regularity because company safeguards are often laughable. Knowing a person’s Social Security number is often enough to get into medial and financial records. A second problem is that wrong and harmful ‘facts’ can creep into databases. Malicious tipsters can poison a person’s record with innuendo, and it takes much more effort to correct the mistake. In this environment, it is virtually inevitable that Americans will demand stronger privacy protections.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Privacy/Surveillance
Name of publication: The Information Revolution (book)
Title, headline, chapter name: Policing Cyberspace
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 113
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne