The Right to Information Self-Determination

We have examined how the rise of the computer, and the accompanying information revolution it has triggered, can pose serious threats to human freedom. There is, accordingly, a need to safeguard the inviolability of personhood amidst this ongoing technological revolution. Determining how to respond to this challenge is a major test for the American legal system. At present, the legislative response has been inconsistent and episodic.

No farreaching measures have been taken to address the needs of human security and freedom. The debate over what to do continues. Perhaps the specter of Big Brother will spur legislation more protective of personal information. Yet, it is unlikely that normal politics will ever be able to secure this core concern of freedom.