Computers make possible a variety of investigative and enforcement techniques. However, the technology of systematic data searching is subject to at least six sources of error, e.g., incorrectly entered data, none of which can be completely eliminated. Thus, a thought police as envisioned by Orwell remains a technological fiction. (RM)

Reports results of a national survey on the use of computerized central registry systems as in child protective services, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of such systems and the extent to which protections have been established against potential abuse of individual civil rights. A need for further study of central registries is…

Identifies current trends and issues in health informatics with examples of applications, particularly in English-speaking countries. Topics include health systems, professionals, and patients; consumer health information; electronic medical records; nursing; privacy and confidentiality; finding and using information; the Internet; e-mail;…