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The Origins And Growth Of Information Privacy Law, Daniel J. Solove
The Origins And Growth Of Information Privacy Law, Daniel J. Solove
GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works
In recent years, information privacy has emerged as one of the central issues of our times. Today, we have hundreds of laws pertaining to privacy - the common law torts, criminal law, evidentiary privileges, constitutional law, at least twenty federal statutes, and numerous statutes in each of the fifty states. To understand the law of information privacy more completely, it is necessary to look to its origins and growth. This article provides a brief overview of the history of the development of information privacy law. In particular, it explores the way that the law has emerged in response to changes …
The Virtues Of Knowing Less: Justifying Privacy Protections Against Disclosure, Daniel J. Solove
The Virtues Of Knowing Less: Justifying Privacy Protections Against Disclosure, Daniel J. Solove
GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works
This Article develops justifications for protections against the disclosure of private information. An extensive body of scholarship has attacked such protections as anathema to the Information Age, where the free flow of information is championed as a fundamental value. This Article responds to two general critiques of disclosure protections: (1) that they inhibit freedom of speech, and (2) that they restrict information useful for judging others.
Regarding the free speech critique, the Article argues that not all speech is of equal value; speech of private concern is less valuable than speech of public concern. The difficulty, however, is distinguishing between …
Identity Theft, Privacy, And The Architecture Of Vulnerability, Daniel J. Solove
Identity Theft, Privacy, And The Architecture Of Vulnerability, Daniel J. Solove
GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works
This Article contrasts two models for understanding and protecting against privacy violations. Traditionally, privacy violations have been understood as invasive actions by particular wrongdoers who cause direct injury to victims. Victims experience embarrassment, mental distress, or harm to their reputations. Privacy is not infringed until these mental injuries materialize. Thus, the law responds when a person's deepest secrets are exposed, reputation is tarnished, or home is invaded. Under the traditional view, privacy is an individual right, remedied at the initiative of the individual.
In this Article, Professor Solove contends the traditional model does not adequately account for many of the …