Civil Liberties Grade Drops for Obama Administration in Latest Privacy Report
Oct 31, 2010
Privacy / Cybersecurity
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 lis...