The United States has taken only piecemeal steps to ensure privacy of personal information. This article examines the U.S. relating to privacy and data protection. It defines privacy and discusses international agreements relating to privacy, federal data protection laws, and narrowly applicable laws. (AEF)

Explains the work of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility regarding privacy issues in the use of electronic networks; recommends principles that should be adopted for a National Information Infrastructure privacy code; discusses the need for public education; and suggests pertinent legislative proposals. (LRW)

Discussion of legal and ethical issues raised by the growth of research networking focuses on two general areas: (1) communication, prepublication, and publication; and (2) the network as a distribution environment. Issues considered include joint authorship, rights in computer conferencing, derivative works, control of dissemination, site…

The testimony responds to H.R. 707, a bill to identify 200 megahertz of electromagnetic spectrum for allocation to private and non-federal government users. The witnesses address how the spectrum can be used to deliver new products and services to all Americans; how additional radio spectrum is needed to keep America competitive; how wireless…

Discusses U.S. science and technical information (STI) policy since the 1960s and the recent move toward a diffusion-oriented STI policy. Highlights include reasons why STI is important to national competitiveness, the National Research and Education Network as an information infrastructure, and creation of a committee to coordinate STI policy…

The National Indian Policy Center was established by Congress in 1990 to determine whether an Indian policy research institution could provide Indian tribes, Congress, and federal agencies with information that would contribute to the development of sound Indian policies. The Center is governed by a planning committee of tribal leaders,…

Describes fiber optic technology, explains its use in education and commercial settings, and recommends regulations and legislation that will speed its use to create broadband information networks. Topics discussed include distance learning; interactive video; costs; and the roles of policy makers, lawmakers, public advocacy groups, and consumers.…

The June, 1972 Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision allowed an "open skies" policy in regard to domestic communication satellites and raised Liberal opposition to a situation where exclusive and unchecked communications power is now in the hands of private entrepreneurs, primarily the big Defense Department oriented…

School leaders cannot afford to be bystanders in the campaign to rewrite telecommunications laws and regulations for building the National Information Superhighway. Proposes a coalition representing all public schools to demand recognition in the development of telecommunications policy. (MLF)

Discusses the National Information Infrastructure and outlines proposed legislation and administrative initiatives that suggest a radical restructuring of existing support mechanisms for libraries. The need for an information and telecommunications policy is addressed; the telecommunications industry is described; and access to federal government…

Focuses on the economic, social, and legal aspects of copyright issues that need to be addressed by rightsholders and users in a computer networked environment. The Electronic Copyright Management System, a project that demonstrates procedures for handling copyright works, is described. Key sections of the copyright law are reviewed. (Contains six…

This hearing addressed the general topic of the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in establishing U.S. policy toward new international communications satellite systems. Statements presented by the following people are included: (1) Mark S. Fowler, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission; (2) David J. Markey, Assistant…

Discusses political implications of the restraints imposed by business groups and how they are affecting the depository library program, the National Research and Education Network, and the National Information Infrastructure. Highlights include pertinent legislation; the architecture of information networks; and possible future outcomes,…

This volume is designed to provide planners and policymakers with a single volume reference book on efforts to define and develop policy for the National Information Infrastructure. The sourcebook is divided into five sections: (1) official documents; (2) vision statements and position papers; (3) program and project descriptions (all sectors);…

This text of a statement presented at U.S. Senate hearings on child care and development describes the operations of the Childcare Switchboard and other programs providing child care information and referral services and urges public financial support for statewide and national information and referral networks. The goal of the Childcare…