So-called data-mining companies that collect information about the drugs doctors prescribe asked an appeals court Tuesday to stop Vermont from enacting a law next week restricting their work. Attorney Thomas Julin told a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that it would violate the First Amendment rights of the companies if…
Author: Dissent
Security Breach Announced at Cornell
A stolen Cornell University computer has compromised the personal information of thousands of members of the University community. The computer contained the names and social security number of current and former students as well as current and former faculty and staff members. An e-mail obtained by WVBR said that currently, no misuse of this sensitive…
TJX Settles with 41 States
TJX announced that it has settled with 41 Attorneys General over its massive data breach that they disclosed two years ago. In its statement, TJX denied that it broke any laws, saying, “TJX firmly believes that it did not violate any consumer protection or data security laws.” Under the terms of the settlement, as described…
Malaysia passes DNA law before Anwar sodomy case
Malaysia has passed a law that will force criminal suspects to provide DNA samples, despite opposition complaints that the bill was aimed at legitimizing evidence in the sodomy trial of their leader Anwar Ibrahim. Under the act, which parliament passed today with a simple majority, courts can compel suspects to provide non-intimate DNA samples such…
Beam Global reports breach of human resources database
On June 15, attorneys for Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. informed (pdf) the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office that there had been unauthorized access of a Human Resources/Payroll database by a former employee back in February. Notification of individuals was delayed reportedly at the request of law enforcement. When it discovered the breach, the…
Bits ‘n Pieces
In the justice system: Desire Gordon was indicted on 67 counts of suspicion of stealing at least 34 identities that she allegedly accessed at her job at an unnamed Waltham-based company. Many of the ID theft victims are doctors. Gordon had access to a large database of health care professionals that contained their personal information….