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

Homework 7 - due February 26, 2004

Reading assignment: Garfinkel 3, 10; Varian 1996; Givens 2000; NAS Report, Chapters 1 and 2

1. Why is it not possible to use a computerized record to associate a name with a person with 100 percent accuracy?

2. What are three steps that might be taken to reduce the amount of identity theft? (I'm not looking for steps individuals can take to protect themselves.)

3. How might P3P be used to help realize a market in privacy of personal information?

4. Do part 3 of the class mini project.