e-ignite

A recent Slashdot article discusses the abysmal US response to privacy concerns - this time over medical records. The US recently covered medical records by Statutory Privacy, allowing citizens to think their private health data was safe. However, since its introduction, the Bush administration have had thousands of complaints made regarding the privacy of these records. This is supposed to be protected by law!

However, true to form, the Bush Administration have only pursued two criminal caseswith regard to these complaints, and absolutely no fines have been issued as a result of all the complaints. This is a major concern, and it yet again highlights the current US Government’s stance on personal privacy. They have gone so far that they are not actively upholding new laws granted by Statutory Privacy, claiming that they want “voluntary compliance” with it. This is, quite frankly, ridiculous.

This is summed up by Gary Christoph who said “It’s like driving a car. If you are speeding down the highway and no-one is watching, you are more likely to speed.”

What is the point in protecting something by law if it will not be followed up by enforcement?