Current Article Abstract
Bryan Thomas
April 13, 2006
Title: Data exposure: Using Software
to Redact Personal Data from Public Documents
Author: Todd R. Weiss
Publication & date of publication: Computerworld, April 13, 2006
Executive Summary:
This article provides insight into redaction software, which was designed to allow government agencies to remove personal
information (i.e. social security numbers, bank account information, driver’s license information, etc.) from public document available on the
internet. The author discusses two ways of using this new technology to remove an individual’s personal information. The first method is in the use of multi-level automated analysis. The second involves identifying only those documents that need redaction and using human interaction to remove the desired information for all other document. Through the added human interaction the software can be trained to improve automation.
Identity theft occurs when one individual uses another individual’s personal information to commit fraud or commit other crimes.
The needs to reduce identify theft and fraud is becoming a primary concern for consumers, researchers, internet club member, etc. This new technology will reduce the opportunity for information to be copied and used for illegal purposes. In the state of Florida, “all online public records redacted for sensitive personal information by Jan. 1, 2007.” (Weiss, 2006) This is a stance that all states should take to reduce identity theft. Although the cost for implementing this new technology runs between $200,000 and $300,000, the long term results will be beneficial. One of those results will be a reduction in insurances to cover the cost of misuse of credit cards. Another would be the reduction in our police and judicial system resource.
Conclusion:
With the increase in internet users year after year the need for the ability to hide or remove personal date becomes vital. The redaction software could have an impact on our social economy as well as reduce the cost of housing individuals wrongly accused in our prisons.
Reference
Weiss, T, R., 2006, Data exposure: Using Software to Redact Personal Data from Public Documents, Retrieved April 12, 2006 from http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/ security/privacy/story/0,10801,110486,00.html