Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!ucsd!ucbvax!NSF.GOV!pbond From: pbond@NSF.GOV Newsgroups: comp.society.futures Subject: Databases and comm channels: future trends? Message-ID: <9011051012.ab19939@Note2.nsf.gov> Date: 5 Nov 90 15:10:00 GMT Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU Organization: The Internet Lines: 74 ---------------------- Original Header Lines (From NOTE) ----------------------- Organization: Xerox PARC, Palo Alto, CA Sender: info-futures-request@encore.com ------------------------------- Message Contents ------------------------------- RISKS Digest 10.58 has a couple of particularly fascinating articles. Though I can't imagine someone reading FUTURES without reading RISKS, I nonetheless repeat the two articles below: Date: Wed, 31 Oct 90 16:20:13 -0800 From: Cindy Tittle Subject: Chilling Advertisement I just saw a rather chilling advertisement in this week's edition of Newsweek (November 5, 1990). It features a computer monitor/keyboard with a Sherlockia n cap hung on one corner. The bold type says "Information is your company's bes t protection from liability." OK so far, then I read on: "Get it fast -- without leaving your desk. Think about it. Know your potential employees. Verify the business credits o f new accounts. Or, check out your new vendors. Just hit a few keystrokes on your personal computer and you've got it. Information from UCC, civil and criminal record filings, Secretary of State, and more, allow you to uncover bankrupticies, pending litigation and a wealth of information that may protect your company from liability -- or even loss. All you need is a personal computer and existing software. That's right. Vie w it -- Print it -- Store it. CDB Infotek's Investigative Information System is an on-line database designed to proved access to public record information for company security, credit, personnel and management departments. Not only is CDB Infotek's on line service one of the most comprehensive in the industry, it's easy to use. And it's fast. Before you make a decision -- check the records -- check with CDB Infotek. [...]" Eek. --Cindy ------------------------------ I agree with Cindy's comment. "Eek!" I know that knowledge is becoming our most valuable resource, but remember, too, that the phrase "knowledge is power" works both ways. A tool in the hands of a legitimate person or organization can become a weapon in the hands of a person or organization whose aims may not be so pure. At the very least, well thought-out controls should be placed on systems like the one described above. Pat -- Bill Janssen janssen@parc.xerox.com (415) 494-4763 Xerox Palo Alto Research Center 3333 Coyote Hill Road, Palo Alto, California 94304