Originally published May 5 2005
Privacy advocates concerned about government's plans to create databases about individuals
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Several government agencies want to build massive databases about everyone living in or entering the United States, but privacy advocates are concerned because the databases could be abused. Though the government claims the databases are for everyone's safety and security, many think that they information could be used for other purposes. The Department of Education wants a database to track college students, the Center for Disease Control wants to record every person who enters the United States, and the Department for Homeland Security wants a database containing fingerprint and retinal scan information on everyone. It seems that the government would know everything about everyone and some wonder how far it will go.
The federal government wants to build massive databases containing information on you, insisting that it's in your best interests.
The agency collects such data only on students who receive federal aid, but is considering gathering all such information on those who self-finance or whose parents pay their tuition so the department can track students through their college years.
The agency says it would be easier to track down ill passengers if there's an outbreak of disease.
� The Department of Homeland Security is asking Congress to allocate $847 million to create an Office of Screening Coordination and Operations.
It would coordinate and consolidate databases it plans that would assemble digital fingerprints and photographs, eye scans and other personal information gathered on millions of Americans and foreign visitors.
The proposals are sparking a debate with privacy advocates fearing the government is collecting too much personal information.
Federal officials maintain vast databases on Americans by gathering information through the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs and Small Business Administration.
That's just a few of the agencies that collect data.
"All of these proposals may have good intentions, but there's inevitable mission creep when these banks are put to other purposes," said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center.
Rotenberg, who teaches information law at Georgetown University Law School, said database administrators aren't giving sufficient attention to federal laws requiring the government to maintain the privacy of Americans and to be open about the process.
The Education Department's proposal has triggered a backlash from some educators.
Education Secretary Margaret Spellings said her agency was only responding to a request from Congress to see if assembling the database was possible and that a final decision on whether to go ahead hasn't been made.
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