The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has released its annual Privacy Report Card for the Obama Administration. Compared to last year's results, the administration has retained its good grade in only one privacy subject: cybersecurity.
"One of the most difficult subjects for any administration is preserving the openness of the internet while protecting the country against genuine cyber threats," the report states.
For 2010, EPIC acknowledges the Administration's continued efforts to safeguard privacy rights for internet users. However, they also note the growing influence of the National Security Agency (NSA). EPIC calls for greater transparency from the White House regarding the NSA's role in cybersecurity.
On the issue of civil liberties, the administration received an almost failing grade. This is largely due to its failure to address "many troubling programs from the Bush years," as well as the expansion of Fusion Centers and watch lists.
Regarding consumer privacy, EPIC observes that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been "unable or unwilling to pursue any significant privacy investigations." They criticize the FTC as a "black hole for privacy complaints" that previous commissions would have routinely pursued. The final grade for consumer privacy is a "C."
In the realm of medical privacy, the administration received an "A-" last year for creating privacy safeguards in the HI-TECH Act. However, this year, the grade has fallen to a "B" due to slowed implementation.
