June 2000 Technology Update: Computers 6/e

Canada's Longitudinal Labor Force File Scrapped The Canadian government had proposed to maintain a database that included information from tax returns, welfare files, insurance files, and federal job programs. The database, called Longitudinal Labor Force File, was extremely controversial because of the privacy issues raised.

The Sale of Personal Information Curtailed by FTC The Federal Trade Commission has issued regulations, which prohibit financial institutions from selling the personal data of customers without their permission. The loss of access to this personal data will make it more difficult for those companies that depend on personal data to help them target their marketing efforts. Marketing industry representatives are concerned that the "free flow of information" has been curtailed. Privacy advocates are happy with the new regulations.