Computers and privacy: A proposal for self-regulation

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze some of the legal problems faced by the computer industry in the area of assuring privacy and security of data both during transmission and storage and to propose a solution. The focus of the paper is upon recent trends in the law of privacy generally and a theoretical projection of possible future developments in view of the computer revolution and the ever increasing automation of data handling, processing, storage and retrieval. In view of these trends and likely future developments, and in order to assure continued operation of the computer industry in the public interest, the author proposes that the computer industry embark on a program of self-regulation modeled on the highly successful National Association of Securities Dealers. Such a program must be fashioned under the auspices of the federal government and pursuant to express federal statutory authority.