To the Point
In the Age of Digital Information, Is Privacy Possible?
"We have reason to believe your personal information may have been obtained by unauthorized third parties, and we deeply regret any inconvenience this event may cause you." That's the notice 145,000 Americans are receiving from the little-known company of ChoicePoint. Law enforcement officials say the number could rise--all because of a single massive case of fraud. When you work, shop or surf the Internet, you are under surveillance by private companies whose clients include the government. Even if you've nothing to hide, you are vulnerable to having your bank account emptied, credit rating destroyed, or something worse. We examine the widespread collection of personal information with reporters, privacy experts and an officer of ChoicePoint. Making News: Bomb Blasts at Shia Locations in Baghdad on Eve of Ashura In Iraq, the holiest day of the year for Shiite Muslims has been the deadliest since last month's elections. At least 28 people have died and dozens more have been injured in Baghdad by explosions at mosques and religious processions. Laith Kubba, president of the Iraq National Group and a senior program officer at the National Endowment for Democracy, has an update. Reporter's Notebook: Prying Open North Korea North Korea is part of President Bush's "axis of evil," best known in recent news reports for claiming that it's developed nuclear weapons. It also remains one of the world's most closed societies. In November, 2001, Barbara Demick opened a news bureau in Seoul, South Korea for the Los Angeles Times. One of her principal jobs is reporting the news about North Korea. Demick explains how she covers the news in a place where she can't go.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m Listen"We have reason to believe your personal information may have been obtained by unauthorized third parties, and we deeply regret any inconvenience this event may cause you." That's the notice 145,000 Americans are receiving from the little-known company of ChoicePoint. Law enforcement officials say the number could rise--all because of a single massive case of fraud. When you work, shop or surf the Internet, you are under surveillance by private companies whose clients include the government. Even if you've nothing to hide, you are vulnerable to having your bank account emptied, credit rating destroyed, or something worse. We examine the widespread collection of personal information with reporters, privacy experts and an officer of ChoicePoint.
Bomb Blasts at Shia Locations in Baghdad on Eve of Ashura
In Iraq, the holiest day of the year for Shiite Muslims has been the deadliest since last month's elections. At least 28 people have died and dozens more have been injured in Baghdad by explosions at mosques and religious processions. Laith Kubba, president of the Iraq National Group and a senior program officer at the National Endowment for Democracy, has an update.
Prying Open North Korea
North Korea is part of President Bush's "axis of evil," best known in recent news reports for claiming that it's developed nuclear weapons. It also remains one of the world's most closed societies. In November, 2001, Barbara Demick opened a news bureau in Seoul, South Korea for the Los Angeles Times. One of her principal jobs is reporting the news about North Korea. Demick explains how she covers the news in a place where she can't go.