The Emergence of the Modern Information Regulatory Environment:

Task 1
Given the perceived long-standing benefits of latent information policy formulation in the United States, was the rapid enactment of the recent, sweeping laws regarding electronic data and record-keeping, "overkill" or "overdue"? Justify your response with specific examples.

Task 2
How does one balance the United States' traditions of freedom of speech and the so-called "right to know" and the growing concern of individuals over their perceived right to privacy?

Task 3
In 2005, California established a law requiring disclosure of data breaches. Since that time, nearly every state has passed variations of that law. The U.S. government has several data bills under consideration. Have these laws helped or hurt efforts to curb data breaches? What have been some of the downsides of the laws?

Task 4
Given growing popular concern over citizen privacy, should the U.S. government adopt, in totality, the principles behind the European Commission Privacy Directive? Why or why not?