Wednesday, February 04, 2004

Data Tool Kit and License Decoder

This is from EPIC - the Electronic Privacy Information Center in the US. A group called the SWIPE Project has some interesting tools to show individuals what data might be encoded on their drivers' licenses (using 2D barcodes) and a calculator to figure out how much your personal information is worth. ("You want my birthdate? That'll be $14.50, please.")

The SWIPE Project has introduced a Data Toolkit, a collection of web-based tools that sheds light on personal data collection and usage practices in the United States. With the tools on the site, one can decode barcodes on licenses, request personal information files from data brokers, and use a "data calculator" to see how much personal information is worth on the market. For more information, see the EPIC Profiling Page.

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