Privacy is always an issue. For consumers, it means being able to trust that your private information is kept private and safe. For academics and librarians there are many First Amendment issues to be considered as well. The recent discoveries about Apple's iOS4, Sony's software piracy for its PlayStation network - which reaches an amazing 77 million people worldwide - and other issues have finally gotten the ear of Congress. In the hearings, Senators questioned companies on their policies and safeguards. I was able to talk with different interested parties in all of this for a NewsBreak that was published just before Al Franken's hearings began.
Of course, the proof here is in the pudding: Will this make a difference in terms of how companies track our behaviors while on the web? Or, will this just increase as more and more critical services, businesses and activities move to the web? Would legislation help? I personally see little progress with the McCain/Kerry proposal. What do you think?
I totally agree with you on this point. I think we should keep in touch. I'll come back to your blog ;)