Another amazing Free E-Book by Dave Grooms
www.davegrooms.co.uk

What is Being Done to Protect Your Privacy?

Chapter 6

 

While government agencies are submitted to legal requirements that protect your personal information, other businesses are not. This makes it vitally important to take steps protecting your information yourself and knowing who has it and what they are doing with it.

State laws do have requirements for the disposal of personal records but the manner of disposal can vary depending on the nature of the information and the resources available to the business. If you do business which requires you to keep personal information on record you must check with local law regarding the disposal of these records.

Fair Information Practice Principles

While the law is still catching up to the needs of individual privacy protection, Europe, Canada and the USA have created a guideline of processes for collecting and using personal information. This guide is called the ‘Fair Information Practice Principles’. It outlines the safeguards necessary to ensure the use of personal information is fair and to protect privacy.

 The core principles outlined in the Fair Information Practice Principles are: Notice/Awareness; Choice/Consent; Access/Participation; Integrity/Security; and  Enforcement/Redress.

 Here is a brief outline of these principles:

 Notice/Awareness

Notice and awareness requires businesses requesting personal information to disclose their information practices before collecting information. The following principles listed would be included in the notice.

 Choice/Consent

Choice and consent give the individual the ability to allow or restrict the use of personal information beyond the transaction being initiated. Opt-in or opt-out choices include how much personal information is included and what it may be used for.

 Access/Participation

Access and participation requires the individual to be able to access, correct or verify their personal information on record. The means of accessing and making corrections must be timely and inexpensive.

 Integrity/Security

Integrity and security refer to the business’ steps to maintain accurate records, secure the information and destroy records in an appropriate manner.  

 Enforcement/Redress

Enforcement and redress must be established either by self-regulation or legislation.

 The full report of Fair Information Practice Principles can be found at:

http://www.ftc.gov/reports/privacy3/fairinfo.htm.

 While steps are being made to create enforcement it is up to the individual to be aware of the use and protection provided by each business and agency they provide personal information to.

 

Click on the next chapter to continue

 

   

     

   ·        How Serious is Identity Theft?

Find out just how much damage an identity thief can cause. Knowing what they do can help you stay alert.

    ·        Are You at Risk?

Are you making these 14 common mistakes that make it easy for a thief to get your information? 

·        How Can You Tell if YOUR Identity’s Been Stolen?

The 5 RED FLAGS that alert you to a possible identity theft.

     ·        What To Do if You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

The sooner you respond to the theft the less damage will be done. Find out who to contact immediately and what to do. Details for contacting credit agencies or police in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. 

·        Who Has the Right to Access Your Information?

Who should be asking for your information? When can you say no? What options are available? 

·        What is Being Done to Protect Your Privacy?

What steps are being taken to legally protect you? How much protection is really available? 

·        What Can You Do to Prevent Identity Theft?

Learn what YOU can do to reduce the risk. Steps that can thwart thieves and prevent you from becoming an easy target. 

·        Special Concern: Online Privacy

Taking care of your personal information online. Special segment specifically about online privacy. 

·        Learn How to Read a Privacy Policy

Learn what to look for in a privacy policy. Understand the wording that may mean there is no protection at all. 

·        Protecting Your Children’s Privacy

How to educate your children about privacy and safety when communicating online.

 

 

(c) Dave Grooms 2005 - www.davegrooms.co.uk