Why does this read like a Monty Python script? “We are sure that no information was taken, because we do not actually use the computers for work.”

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200704221140/assurances_tax_info_safe_despite_mislaid_computers

Assurances tax info safe despite mislaid computers

Posted at 11:42am on 22 Apr 2007

Revenue Minister Peter Dunne says taxpayers' personal information is not at risk despite more than 100 Inland Revenue computers going missing.

The Inland Revenue Department's 2006 asset audit shows the department does not know the whereabouts of 106 computers.

The National Party says the loss is a serious breach, and the IRD must do more to safeguard taxpayers' personal information. Its state services spokesperson, Gerry Brownlee, says the IRD has no idea where the computers are, or what is on them.

The department says the figure is only 1.2% of the total number of its computers. It says the computers could be laptops [we don't know that either... Bob] that were of the office at the time of the audit, obsolete computers that have been dumped, computers that are out of use and being stored out of sight, or out for repairs.

Mr Dunne says there are strict security controls regarding access to taxpayer information, and he is confident no personal data has gone missing.

The IRD says all taxpayer information is held on a central database and it has a policy that no sensitive data is to be stored on computer hard drives.

... IRD says it does expect the number of unaccounted-for computers to decrease in future audits [because it won't be long before they are all stolen... Bob] because it is bringing in systems to track assets electronically.

Tools & Techniques: How long before someone embarrasses a politician?

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070420/20070420005612.html?.v=1

Montana Launches Online Access to Driver Records and Vehicle Histories at www.mt.gov

Friday April 20, 3:43 pm ET

HELENA, Mont.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Have you ever wondered how many speeding tickets are on your driver record? Or have you been curious to know the ownership history of a pre-owned car you want to purchase? Thanks to two new online services offered through Montana's official Web site (www.mt.gov), citizens can get instant access to individual driver and vehicle histories at any time of day or night.

With the Driver History Records Service, people can search information recorded with the MVD to get individual driver history record information, including:

All reported vehicle accidents, including the date and time of the accident and the number of reported injuries due to the accident;

Any driving restrictions placed on the driver license like corrective lenses or driving at night; and

Limited personal information, including legal name, date of birth, and type of driver license -- including commercial licenses.

"This online driver history search is much more convenient for Montanans," said Dean Roberts, Motor Vehicle Division Administrator. "Prior to offering public access to this service, the process of requesting and receiving an individual driver history often took several days."

The Vehicle Search Service allows users to research the history of a pre-owned vehicle and get immediate results before purchasing the vehicle. Citizens can verify the legal owner, title history, and registration information on each vehicle.

"This is a valuable service for buyers of used cars," said Roberts. "We believe it will result in a more informed consumer, and it may also protect buyers from scams such as unknowingly buying a stolen vehicle. Previously, this service was only available to authorized users such as vehicle dealerships, insurance companies and banks."

Both search services are secure and do not include sensitive information like a home address, Social Security number, or previous driver license number. Prior to starting an online search, users will be asked to certify that they have a valid reason to request the information.

Maybe this time?

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/04/22/1330245&from=rss

Novell Bombards SCO with Summary Judgment Motions

Posted by CmdrTaco on Sunday April 22, @10:29AM from the ratatatatat dept. Caldera Novell

rm69990 writes "Novell has filed 4 motions for Summary Judgment against SCO, which essentially ask the court to toss the remainder of SCO's case that isn't already being arbitrated between SUSE and SCO. One seeks a ruling from the court that Novell transfered none of the copyrights in Unix to SCO, which is backed up by many exhibits and declarations from people who negotiated the deal. Another, along the same lines, asks the court to toss the portions of SCO's Unfair Competition and Breach of Contract claims pertaining to the Unix copyrights. The third asks the court to rule that Novell did not violate the Technology License Agreement between SCO and Novell, and last and also least, the fourth seeks to toss the Slander of Title for the additional reason that SCO has failed to prove any special damages. These motions follow 2 motions for summary judgment filed by Novell late last year on 2 of their counterclaims."

E-Democracy: Perhaps we can set the firewall to block them?

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ONLINE_DEBATES?SITE=VALYD&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Presidential Debates Set for Cyberspace

By BETH FOUHY Associated Press Writer Apr 22, 7:36 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) -- The 2008 presidential contenders may soon be slugging it out in cyberspace, with pioneering online-only debates being planned for early next fall, a new media partnership says.

The political blog Huffington Post, online portal Yahoo and Slate Magazine will host the debates - one for Democratic candidates, one for Republicans - sometime after Labor Day, with PBS host Charlie Rose serving as moderator, the sponsors planned to announce Monday.

Voters will be invited to submit questions, and can blog in real time to share their opinions on the candidates' answers.