Privacy and Freedom of Information

The British Columbia Freedom of Information and Privacy Association advanced a general position paper in 1991, stating recommendations for access to information and protection of privacy legislation for British Columbia. This statement, if incorporated into legislation, has implications for all who live in British Columbia. It is the purpose of this personal essay to summarize and evaluate this document and make recommendations in order that my own position might become clear.

First, my point of view is that of an Asian who grew up in Hong Kong. As such, my perspective might be a bit different from those who have always lived in the Western Hemisphere. In general I find that people who are quite Westernized are much more privacy-oriented than those of Asian backgrounds, and I find myself, personally somewhere in the middle. I was reared in a small, close-knit household--my mother, my father, my two brothers and I--and as most Asians, we got along well in very small quarters with a minimum of fuss. Unlike Americans or Canadians, we do not feel the need for large amounts of space or time to ourselves, perhaps because our philosophy is simply different. Although my family is quite Westernized, we still retain much of the Eastern philosophy of peace within the person, regardless of outside circumstances.

It is the purpose of privacy legislation to protect the privacy of individuals about whom organizations hold information. This is a

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or appeal to the institution's decision to disclose the information. Of special concern is the manner in which information is retained and disposed of when it is outdated. The recommendation asks that information be kept for one year after its last use and that it be disposed of in a manner that continues to protect the privacy, security, and confidentiality of the facts concerned. For myself, I do not think all these detailed provisions are necessary. I have nothing against them, and they seem reasonable and well thought-out. I am sure that the persons of the Legislative Task Force believe very strongly in the importance of their cause, and I do not disagree with their ideas or methods of protection of the individuals who might be affected by the use of their information. What concerns me is the motivation behind this type of work and the perhaps misplaced priority of importance. It seems that all of this concern speaks to an underlying fear and distrust, which is most unfortunate. True, there are perhaps people who would use information about other people for the wrong things--computer hackers, dishonest business people, criminals--but is it really necessary to try to cover every possible act of such unthinking persons w

Category: Government - P