COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS AND PEOPLE,
Abstract
Impact of the computer technology of communications business is discussed as is the increase in creation of new types of computer systems resulting from widespread low-cost digital communications. SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES: Loss of the individual's right to privacy; unscrupulous individuals may use the information unlawfully; organized crime may misuse the information; 'inferential relational retrieval' techniques could draw chains of relationships between persons, organizations, and events; use of private detectives may increase to unearth derogatory information on political candidates and their associates for establishing thin chains of inferred relationships; creation of remote interrogation devices to interact with a file from a large number of points will cut costs of retrieval. PROPOSED SPECIFIC SAFEGUARDS: Provide for minimal cryptographic type of protection to communications lines that carry embarrassing data; never store file data in the complete 'clear'; make random external auditing of file operating programs standard practice; create sensible, precise ground rules on cross-system interrogation access for interconnected individual file systems; provide mechanisms to detect abnormal informational requests; build in provisions to record the source of requests for information interrogations; and audit information requests and inform authorities of suspected misuse of the system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0624431
Entities
People
- Paul Baran
Organizations
- RAND Corporation