Private Rights, Public Wrongs: The Computer and Personal Privacy: Communication and Information Sciences

This book examines trends that affect citizen's privacy, now that computer files with information on credit and overall financial status are easily accessible, and not always accurate. The unregulated use of individuals' computer files is a serious challenge to the values that underlie this country's social political well-being. The book discusses the need for balance between the privacy interests of individuals and the financial interests of large institutions, who may benefit from these files in locating those trying to cheat the system. It also examines the problem of protecting personal privacy, and what can be done at government levels.