Comment This is being reported very different Down Under (Score 1) 257
This story is being reported very differently in Australia than it is on Slashdot. I don't know which account is true, but the news here has reported that this large data-gathering facility is a private enterprise, like others all over the world, and there has been no mention of government involvement with its establishment, apart from Australian Electoral Rolls being (allegedly) illegally accessed. Also, the Government is drafting a law to restrict activities of these databases.
According to news reports, the Government is investigating how those electoral rolls were accessed, as gaining access to Electoral Rolls is a serious crime in Australia, because voting is compulsory (IMHO a good idea), so almost everyone over the age of 18 is on the roll. The Government is also drafting laws to make sure Private Data-Gathering Warehouses follow strict laws.
So, in Australia the story is being reported VERY differently, with the Government investigating the data gathering facility, rather than supporting it. I would personally like to know which version is true, as the two reports seem in direct contradiction of each other.
Here are some comments by the Australian Attorney-General on the laws the Government is introducing:
"There will be an obligation on ACXIOM when our legislation is passed to maintain the standards
that are set out in the bill,"
"In respect of any information that is collected retrospectively, they will have obligations of data security, data openness, data quality and restrictions on transfers overseas."
Further information on this matter is at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/1999/11/item19991130175 007_1.htm
In summary, in Australia it is being reported that the Government is not involved with this data warehouse, and it is similar to many already established overseas. Instead the Government is drafting new laws to RESTRICT the activities of data warehouses such as these.
According to news reports, the Government is investigating how those electoral rolls were accessed, as gaining access to Electoral Rolls is a serious crime in Australia, because voting is compulsory (IMHO a good idea), so almost everyone over the age of 18 is on the roll. The Government is also drafting laws to make sure Private Data-Gathering Warehouses follow strict laws.
So, in Australia the story is being reported VERY differently, with the Government investigating the data gathering facility, rather than supporting it. I would personally like to know which version is true, as the two reports seem in direct contradiction of each other.
Here are some comments by the Australian Attorney-General on the laws the Government is introducing:
"There will be an obligation on ACXIOM when our legislation is passed to maintain the standards
that are set out in the bill,"
"In respect of any information that is collected retrospectively, they will have obligations of data security, data openness, data quality and restrictions on transfers overseas."
Further information on this matter is at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/1999/11/item1999113017
In summary, in Australia it is being reported that the Government is not involved with this data warehouse, and it is similar to many already established overseas. Instead the Government is drafting new laws to RESTRICT the activities of data warehouses such as these.
