Newsmaker: The politics of data security

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There are some bills that would require restrictions on the use of Social Security numbers (SSN), and one influential politician, Rep. Joe Barton, seems to like that idea. What are your views on that topic?
Mierzwinski: We'd support the strongest possible SSN regulation, whether it's (the legislation introduced by congressmen) Ron Paul or Clay Shaw. The problem with the bills is that they have a rough road ahead of them. That's because so many companies and government agencies are invested in the SSN.

Companies for simplicity and convenience rely on the SSN. I'm increasingly convinced that the FBI and Homeland Security rely on data brokers to provide them with dossiers based on SSNs as the link.

What are your predictions for what's going to happen in this area by the end of the year?
Mierzwinski: It's a tough call. If they do data breach legislation, I hope they do a narrow bill that's not pre-emptive.

I'm increasingly convinced that the FBI and Homeland Security rely on data brokers to provide them with dossiers based on SSNs as the link.

The prospects in a short legislative session depend on negotiating a jurisdictional jungle with so many committees wanting a piece of the bill. There's a lot of pressure by industry to force those committees to work together. Even the industry guys aren't sure they can do it.

What's U.S. PIRG doing on this front?
Mierzwinski: Our view is no bill. What we're doing is trying to reach out to other organizations and to try to pass bills in the states. New Jersey passed a strong law last year. Delaware is considering a fairly strong law, which is surprising.

That's our main thing. We're working in a coalition with Consumers Union and privacy organizations and state attorneys general. We wish we had the money for an (advertising or marketing) campaign.

Who are your friends and enemies on this topic?
Mierzwinski: The main consumer advocates on privacy are Ed Markey, Jan Schakowsky, Bernie Sanders, Barney Frank. On the senate side, Paul Sarbanes, Patrick Leahy, and Sen. Richard Shelby of course is a founder of the Congressional Privacy Caucus, and so is Joe Barton. That's why we have a chance to get a decent bill from them.

The industry would much prefer the floor bill that comes out of the House Financial Services Committee. We'd prefer the bill that Markey and Barton have something to do with. We'll see.  

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Let's LOSE This Lame Duck Congress

The time has come to take this matter in hand and put these ineffectual congressional leaders out to pasture. And with them, a second-rate President.

It is absurd to undercut California's data breach notification law, and the Congress knows this. I find it hard to understand why an intelligent, general population can't understand the current trend in Washington to favor business over the consumer's privacy.

It is also ridiculous to have fifty state laws under which business must operate, when one federal law could do the trick.

Maybe the time has come for an independent political party based on privacy. George Orwell's "1984" set the stage for what is happening in this country today, and if something isn't done, we will certainly be meeting Big Brother soon.

There is only one way to protect the use of consumers? names and personal data. Pass federal legislation to give the individual control over their name and private information, and, while we?re at it, pay them when it is sold. You can read about it in my blog, The Dunning Letter at: http://www.thedunningletter.blogspot.com.

Jack E. Dunning
Cave Creek, AZ