Carol J. Williams reports in the Los Angeles Times: Is there a constitutional right to informational privacy? That is a question that Chief Judge Alex Kozinski of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is asking the U.S. Supreme Court, saying that the justices hinted at such a right 32 years ago and “never said…
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Risks of sharing personal genetic information online need more study, Stanford bioethicists say
With just $399 and a bit of saliva in a cup, consumers can learn about their genetic risk for diseases from breast cancer to diabetes. Now, thanks to social networking sites set up by personal genomics companies, they can also share that information with family, friends and even strangers on the Internet. Bonding over…
World Privacy Forum files comments with the FTC regarding proposed rules for health care-related data breaches
The World Privacy Forum filed extensive comments with the Federal Trade Commission today regarding its notice of proposed rulemaking for data breaches of information containing actual health care information or health care-related information. The FTC rulemaking will apply to a variety of record holders, especially vendors of personal health records. The Forum supported much…
Octomom Nadya Suleman says she didn't tell sperm donor of her decision to implant remaining embryos
The Tribune Newspapers reports: Octuplets mother Nadya Suleman told a celebrity Web site that she wants her children to have a father in their lives but that the sperm donor was upset and resentful when he heard about her pregnancy. …. In an interview with Radar Online, she said she used sperm from the…
The benefits of an opt-out policy
As a privacy advocate, I generally advocate for opt-in as opposed to opt-out policies. But here’s a report from the medical field that shows the potential benefits of opt-out. Micheal Carter of aidsmap reports: Implementing a policy of routine opt-out HIV testing led to the diagnosis of 3000 HIV infections in children admitted to hospital…
UK: Editors warned over Susan Boyle's privacy
HoldtheFrontPage.co.uk reports: The ongoing saga of singer Susan Boyle’s health has prompted the Press Complaints Commission to remind newspapers about possible privacy breaches by reporting her welfare. The Britain’s Got Talent star was admitted to a clinic in London on Sunday suffering from exhaustion after missing out on top spot in Saturday night’s final. Now…