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Return to Article: Justice official to launch privacy panel

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  "The Romans had a phase: "Sed quis custodiet ipsos custodes?" which is often translated as "Who Guards the Guards", but more accurately should read "Who watches the watchmen?" " (found at: http://www.it-director.com/article.php?articleid=1127)

  It now appears to me to be some lady who is "... not just the ombudsman who takes complaints ... not just the policy adviser or the writer of the rules and regulations."

  I must question the effectiveness of a person without a specific charter or any power. I must question the intent of such an appointment. Is she to take the place of the judiciary review committee in reviewing the applicability of individual searches? Not likely. So what is her function? "Her official duties include reviewing and overseeing the department's privacy operations, developing Justice's privacy policies and ensuring the compliance of privacy impact assessments, known as PIAs."

  Sorry, but it appears to me that she's merely a lightening rod to draw attention. "See, we are addressing the issues. We've appointed someone to that task. We hear you and take you seriously." Right!

  Meanwhile, back at the ranch, her job reviewing established procedures will allow her to develop privacy policies that coincide with the executive branch's philosophy that the end justifies the means. "See? It's in writing. We have a policy."

  By the way, Dubya, please use better words when addressing us common peasants. It's not all that difficult to understand that a privacy impact assessment merely tells me how screwed my privacy is as you do whatever you wish.

  'Nuff said. Tip off.

  Tip Posted April 4, 2006 8:31 AM