Briefs

September 30, 2003 -- By William New, National Journal's Technology Daily

The independent advisory committee established to examine privacy concerns with the development of data-analysis technologies at the Defense Department is leaning toward recommendation that it be made permanent, as suggestions mount that such research be continued.

But details of the committee's composition remain to be worked out, committee members said after a two-day meeting of the Technology and Privacy Advisory Committee (TAPAC).

Out of concern for citizens' privacy, Congress stopped TIA funding in the fiscal 2004 Defense appropriations bill still to be signed by the president. Minow said the committee is interested in reports that some TIA functions will be transferred to the Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). INSCOM conducts foreign intelligence work, which Congress agreed to let continue TIA-like activities.

"We understand our charge is beyond TIA," Minow said. He also noted that a confidential annex to the appropriations bill might contain more details on plans for data-mining research and that the act creating the Homeland Security Department encouraged data mining.

See http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0903/093003td2.htm