15-508 / 17-801 / 19-608 / 95-818: Privacy Policy, Law, and Technology

Homework 10 - due November 4, 2004

Reading Assignment: Chaum 1987; Waldman 2001; Reiter 1999; Gillmor 2004

1. (24 points) Write a short summary of each chapter or article in the reading assignment (2-5 sentences each). After each summary (in a separate paragraph) provide a "highlight" for that chapter. This can be something new you learned that you found particularly interesting, a point you would like to discuss further in class, a question the chapter did not fully answer, something you found confusing, a point you disagree with, or anything else you found noteworthy.

2. (10 points) How do the types of anonymity provided by Crowds and Publius differ (the question is not asking about the differences in how these systems work, but rather the differences in what they are intended to do)?

3. (50 points) Should people always be allowed to be anonymous on the Internet? If so, how can illegal, irresponsible, or anti-social behavior be prevented? If not, why not and when should anonymity be prohibited? Use some of the class readings (not necessarily from this week) or other articles to support your argument.

4. (16 points) Review the web site for the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) and answer the following: