This editorial appeared in the Japan Times: The intentions behind the Personal Information Protection Law, which went into effect in April 2005, are good, but it has contributed to a tendency for organizations to withhold benign information that has significantly useful social value. Ms. Mizuho Fukushima, state minister in charge of consumer affairs, who has…
AU: Secret personnel records back at DFAT
Philip Dorling reports: The Community and Public Sector Union has called for two independent inquiries into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s system of secret personnel files. DFAT staff have expressed concern that the department has quietly re-established a system of secret personnel files similar to a highly controversial system, known as the ”X-files”,…
Humboldt suspends police chief as DCI starts probe
Tom Barton reports: Humboldt’s police chief has been suspended over allegations that he improperly used driver’s license and criminal history information available only to law enforcement officials. City Administrator Lorie Bennett on Friday confirmed that state crime agents have launched an investigation of Police Chief Matthew Dominick, who was suspended Monday for up to 30…
OH: Employer’s DNA test rule raises legal concerns
Judy Greenwald reports: The University of Akron is expected to soon rescind a controversial rule that lets the university demand DNA samples from job applicants as part of a criminal background check. Observers say the requirement—believed to be the first genetic testing rule imposed by an employer—violates the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act and the Americans…