Second Life Forums Archive - Now I might need a passport to play SL?

Tiana Whitfield

Forever And A Day

Join date: 1 Apr 2007

Posts: 702

05-05-2007 08:31

I am in the UK and I have always felt that I should guard my passport with my life, because of todays climate I believe I have to guard my passport with more than my life if I am honest!

How can I just hand it over to a 3rd party company? In todays climate?

Mistakes do and will happen, why knowingly make it easier for major mistakes to happen? I have always been quite a staunch supporter of LL, but this beggers belief!?!

I am so not happy about handing over my passport information, in the Uk there was already a fiasco in the passport office recently with passports getting into the wrong hands! I just cant imagine how if God forbid my identity was stolen or worse and I had to explain to the police or authorities that I handed over such sensitive information as my passport details to a 3rd company in a country other than my own so I could continue playing a computer game in peace!

I will most likely just stay PG, down tier completely, which is a shame as I am a massive customer in the mature area of SL!! *wink wink*

Coyote Momiji

Pintsized Plutonium

Join date: 13 Aug 2006

Posts: 715

05-05-2007 09:53

From: Atashi Yue

Cause they want it as long as they aren't asked to provide it?

Because some of us aren't comfortable with gamely handing over our personal data to a company hand-picked by LL (who had a massive security breach in September), especially when said company is a self-admitted spam-farm who will sell your data to the highest bidder so you can receive more emails.

I'm disgusted. I'm frankly at a crossroads here - I have to choose whether I trust this company (and I bloody well don't) or lose my business and access to my usual haunts - and those will be the tolerable places, because the next move after this? Almost certainly merging the teen grid with the adult grid.

Yeah, great.

I'm going to go try WoW in WINe again. Excuse me, please.

- Oh, and before anyone bitches - I have been in SL since January of 2006. I have jumped through hoops and put up with a great deal from LL - unlike some of you, who apparently have no problem with having their data sold off.

Feel free to stop thinking that everyone has to accept your comfort levels. Some of us aren't willing to abrogate our right to privacy so that some idiots can surrender responsibilities.

Lucifer Baphomet

Postmodern Demon

Join date: 8 Sep 2005

Posts: 1,771

05-05-2007 10:01

From: Coyote Momiji

Because some of us aren't comfortable with gamely handing over our personal data to a company hand-picked by LL (who had a massive security breach in September), especially when said company is a self-admitted spam-farm who will sell your data to the highest bidder so you can receive more emails.

I'm disgusted. I'm frankly at a crossroads here - I have to choose whether I trust this company (and I bloody well don't) or lose my business and access to my usual haunts - and those will be the tolerable places, because the next move after this? Almost certainly merging the teen grid with the adult grid.

Yeah, great.

I'm going to go try WoW in WINe again. Excuse me, please.

- Oh, and before anyone bitches - I have been in SL since January of 2006. I have jumped through hoops and put up with a great deal from LL - unlike some of you, who apparently have no problem with having their data sold off.

Feel free to stop thinking that everyone has to accept your comfort levels. Some of us aren't willing to abrogate our right to privacy so that some idiots can surrender responsibilities.

Well said Coyote
You rock girl.

I for one wont comply, and when they merge the grids, which this is definately paving the way for, I'll be downsizing to 512, or selling up.

This company has misspent enough of my money.

_____________________

I have no signature,

Valerie Viking

Registered User

Join date: 2 Mar 2007

Posts: 93

05-05-2007 10:02

*********************

FYI FROM TODAY'S NEWS:

TSA Loses Hard Drive With Personal Info

May 4, 10:03 PM (ET)

By MATT APUZZO

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Transportation Security Administration has lost a computer hard drive containing Social Security numbers, bank data and payroll information for about 100,000 employees.

Authorities realized Thursday the hard drive was missing from a controlled area at TSA headquarters. TSA Administrator Kip Hawley sent a letter to employees Friday apologizing for the lost data and promising to pay for one year of credit monitoring services.

"TSA has no evidence that an unauthorized individual is using your personal information, but we bring this incident to your attention so that you can be alert to signs of any possible misuse of your identity," Hawley wrote in the letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press. "We profoundly apologize for any inconvenience and concern that this incident has caused you."

The agency said it did not know whether the device is still within headquarters or was stolen.

TSA said it has asked the FBI and Secret Service to investigate and said it would fire anyone discovered to have violated the agency's data-protection policies.

In a statement released Friday night, the agency said the external - or portable - hard drive contained information on employees who worked for the Homeland Security agency from January 2002 until August 2005.

TSA, a division of the Homeland Security Department, employs about 50,000 people and is responsible for security of the nation's transportation systems, including airports and train stations.

"It's seems like there's a problem with security inside Homeland Security and that makes no sense," said James Slade, a TSA screener and the executive vice president of the National Treasury Employees Union chapter at John F. Kennedy International Airport. "That's scary. That's my identity. And now who has a hold of it? So many things go on in your mind."

The agency added a section to its Web site Friday night addressing the data security breach and directing people to information about identity theft.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, whose Homeland Security subcommittee oversees the TSA, promised to hold hearings on the security breach. She said Homeland Security buildings are part of the critical infrastructure the agency is charged with protecting.

"We should expect it to be secure," she said.

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson, D-Miss., called the security breach "a terrible and unfortunate blow" for an agency he said already suffered from low morale.

It's the latest mishap for the government involving computer data. Last year, a laptop with information for more than 26.5 million military personnel, was stolen from a Veterans Affairs Department employee's home. Law enforcement officials recovered the laptop, and the FBI said Social Security numbers and other personal data had not been copied.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070505/D8OTUCJ80.html

Dnate Mars

Lost

Join date: 27 Jan 2004

Posts: 1,309

05-05-2007 10:11

Well, I am just in the wait and see. There are a lot of people assuming things that may or may not be true about what may be coming. Until I know more, I seem to be leaning more on the side that it is a good idea. And if the many people that say they are going to leave do, it should make the grid much more stable.

_____________________

Visit my website: www.dnatemars.com

From: Cristiano Midnight

This forum is weird.

Caranda Schreiner

Registered User

Join date: 11 Jun 2006

Posts: 98

05-05-2007 10:43

I did a bit of research on Aristotle. It seems their main business is in collecting lists of voter registration information and combining these with other data so that the aggregated lists can be sold for marketing and political campaigning purposes.

I also found their SEC filing and noted this passage (my emphasis):

From: someone

Our databases contain sensitive information about individuals that we make available to our clients, including over the Internet. A fundamental requirement for online communications and transactions is the secure transmission of confidential information over public networks. Although we have implemented network security measures, our servers are vulnerable to computer viruses, physical and electronic break-ins and similar disruptions, which could lead to theft or misuse of the information contained in our databases. Individuals about whom our databases contain information or entities from which we collect information could assert claims of invasion of privacy, inappropriate disclosure or use or loss of information against us or our clients. We may be liable to these individuals or entities or to our clients for any release of confidential information, whether as a result of a breach of our security or by accident. Third parties may attempt to breach our security or that of our clients. In particular, a substantial amount of the information contained on our database can only be released to authorized individuals. We may be subject to federal, state and local fines and to civil and criminal liability if we were to inadvertently release this information for unauthorized use as a result of:

. errors in our software;

. human errors; or

. because we are defrauded or deceived by the person seeking the information into believing that he or she is an authorized user of the information.

Further, we may be required to expend significant additional capital and other resources to license encryption technology and additional technologies to protect against security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by any breach.

Warda Kawabata

Amityville Horror

Join date: 4 Nov 2005

Posts: 1,300

05-05-2007 10:49

So LL wants us to give such data to a company that makes its business selling personal data and explcitly notes it can be hacked? I'm even less enthusiastic than before.

Seriously, I want some of what Phil was smoking. That's some good crack there.

_____________________

I rent out land on private islands. Message me in-world for details.

Jig Chippewa

Fine Young Cannibal

Join date: 30 Oct 2006

Posts: 5,150

05-05-2007 10:55

From: Coyote Momiji

Feel free to stop thinking that everyone has to accept your comfort levels. Some of us aren't willing to abrogate our right to privacy so that some idiots can surrender responsibilities.

Wow! I wish I had said that! I totally agree.

Caranda Schreiner

Registered User

Join date: 11 Jun 2006

Posts: 98

05-05-2007 11:07

This SEC filing is really interesting, another juicy tidbit - where their data comes from:

From: someone

We collect and compile information in our databases that we use in connection with our campaign products and services and for our targeted marketing products. Although we collect a significant portion of this information from public records, we also rely on commercial data collection efforts to enhance our records. Individuals have claimed, and may claim in the future, that collection of this information is illegal. Although we believe that we have the right to use and compile the information in these databases, our ability to do so may not remain lawful. Moreover, there may be no trade secret, copyright or other intellectual property protection that is or becomes available for databases that protects our rights. In addition, third parties may assert claims to information contained in our databases. There is also a substantial risk that public perception and approval of the use of information acquired through the Internet to engage in targeted marketing and other commercial purposes may deteriorate.

and their involvement in "targeted Internet marketing":

From: someone

Information in our databases may contain inaccuracies that could render advertising campaigns ineffective, which would in turn harm our ability to promote our Internet marketing efforts and could also subject us to liability. Further, filter software programs used by Internet users may limit or prevent advertising from being delivered to a user's computer. Widespread acceptance of filter software would harm the commercial viability of Internet marketing, and in particular, banner advertising, and thus harm our business.

Now I might need a passport to play SL?
Tiana Whitfield Forever And A Day Join date: 1 Apr 2007 Posts: 702	05-05-2007 08:31 I am in the UK and I have always felt that I should guard my passport with my life, because of todays climate I believe I have to guard my passport with more than my life if I am honest! How can I just hand it over to a 3rd party company? In todays climate? Mistakes do and will happen, why knowingly make it easier for major mistakes to happen? I have always been quite a staunch supporter of LL, but this beggers belief!?! I am so not happy about handing over my passport information, in the Uk there was already a fiasco in the passport office recently with passports getting into the wrong hands! I just cant imagine how if God forbid my identity was stolen or worse and I had to explain to the police or authorities that I handed over such sensitive information as my passport details to a 3rd company in a country other than my own so I could continue playing a computer game in peace! I will most likely just stay PG, down tier completely, which is a shame as I am a massive customer in the mature area of SL!! wink wink
Coyote Momiji Pintsized Plutonium Join date: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 715	05-05-2007 09:53 From: Atashi Yue Cause they want it as long as they aren't asked to provide it? Because some of us aren't comfortable with gamely handing over our personal data to a company hand-picked by LL (who had a massive security breach in September), especially when said company is a self-admitted spam-farm who will sell your data to the highest bidder so you can receive more emails. I'm disgusted. I'm frankly at a crossroads here - I have to choose whether I trust this company (and I bloody well don't) or lose my business and access to my usual haunts - and those will be the tolerable places, because the next move after this? Almost certainly merging the teen grid with the adult grid. Yeah, great. I'm going to go try WoW in WINe again. Excuse me, please. - Oh, and before anyone bitches - I have been in SL since January of 2006. I have jumped through hoops and put up with a great deal from LL - unlike some of you, who apparently have no problem with having their data sold off. Feel free to stop thinking that everyone has to accept your comfort levels. Some of us aren't willing to abrogate our right to privacy so that some idiots can surrender responsibilities.
Lucifer Baphomet Postmodern Demon Join date: 8 Sep 2005 Posts: 1,771	05-05-2007 10:01 From: Coyote Momiji Because some of us aren't comfortable with gamely handing over our personal data to a company hand-picked by LL (who had a massive security breach in September), especially when said company is a self-admitted spam-farm who will sell your data to the highest bidder so you can receive more emails. I'm disgusted. I'm frankly at a crossroads here - I have to choose whether I trust this company (and I bloody well don't) or lose my business and access to my usual haunts - and those will be the tolerable places, because the next move after this? Almost certainly merging the teen grid with the adult grid. Yeah, great. I'm going to go try WoW in WINe again. Excuse me, please. - Oh, and before anyone bitches - I have been in SL since January of 2006. I have jumped through hoops and put up with a great deal from LL - unlike some of you, who apparently have no problem with having their data sold off. Feel free to stop thinking that everyone has to accept your comfort levels. Some of us aren't willing to abrogate our right to privacy so that some idiots can surrender responsibilities. Well said Coyote You rock girl. I for one wont comply, and when they merge the grids, which this is definately paving the way for, I'll be downsizing to 512, or selling up. This company has misspent enough of my money. _____________________ I have no signature,
Valerie Viking Registered User Join date: 2 Mar 2007 Posts: 93	05-05-2007 10:02 ********************* FYI FROM TODAY'S NEWS: TSA Loses Hard Drive With Personal Info May 4, 10:03 PM (ET) By MATT APUZZO WASHINGTON (AP) - The Transportation Security Administration has lost a computer hard drive containing Social Security numbers, bank data and payroll information for about 100,000 employees. Authorities realized Thursday the hard drive was missing from a controlled area at TSA headquarters. TSA Administrator Kip Hawley sent a letter to employees Friday apologizing for the lost data and promising to pay for one year of credit monitoring services. "TSA has no evidence that an unauthorized individual is using your personal information, but we bring this incident to your attention so that you can be alert to signs of any possible misuse of your identity," Hawley wrote in the letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press. "We profoundly apologize for any inconvenience and concern that this incident has caused you." The agency said it did not know whether the device is still within headquarters or was stolen. TSA said it has asked the FBI and Secret Service to investigate and said it would fire anyone discovered to have violated the agency's data-protection policies. In a statement released Friday night, the agency said the external - or portable - hard drive contained information on employees who worked for the Homeland Security agency from January 2002 until August 2005. TSA, a division of the Homeland Security Department, employs about 50,000 people and is responsible for security of the nation's transportation systems, including airports and train stations. "It's seems like there's a problem with security inside Homeland Security and that makes no sense," said James Slade, a TSA screener and the executive vice president of the National Treasury Employees Union chapter at John F. Kennedy International Airport. "That's scary. That's my identity. And now who has a hold of it? So many things go on in your mind." The agency added a section to its Web site Friday night addressing the data security breach and directing people to information about identity theft. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, whose Homeland Security subcommittee oversees the TSA, promised to hold hearings on the security breach. She said Homeland Security buildings are part of the critical infrastructure the agency is charged with protecting. "We should expect it to be secure," she said. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson, D-Miss., called the security breach "a terrible and unfortunate blow" for an agency he said already suffered from low morale. It's the latest mishap for the government involving computer data. Last year, a laptop with information for more than 26.5 million military personnel, was stolen from a Veterans Affairs Department employee's home. Law enforcement officials recovered the laptop, and the FBI said Social Security numbers and other personal data had not been copied. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070505/D8OTUCJ80.html
Dnate Mars Lost Join date: 27 Jan 2004 Posts: 1,309	05-05-2007 10:11 Well, I am just in the wait and see. There are a lot of people assuming things that may or may not be true about what may be coming. Until I know more, I seem to be leaning more on the side that it is a good idea. And if the many people that say they are going to leave do, it should make the grid much more stable. _____________________ Visit my website: www.dnatemars.com From: Cristiano Midnight This forum is weird.
Caranda Schreiner Registered User Join date: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 98	05-05-2007 10:43 I did a bit of research on Aristotle. It seems their main business is in collecting lists of voter registration information and combining these with other data so that the aggregated lists can be sold for marketing and political campaigning purposes. I also found their SEC filing and noted this passage (my emphasis): From: someone Our databases contain sensitive information about individuals that we make available to our clients, including over the Internet. A fundamental requirement for online communications and transactions is the secure transmission of confidential information over public networks. Although we have implemented network security measures, our servers are vulnerable to computer viruses, physical and electronic break-ins and similar disruptions, which could lead to theft or misuse of the information contained in our databases. Individuals about whom our databases contain information or entities from which we collect information could assert claims of invasion of privacy, inappropriate disclosure or use or loss of information against us or our clients. We may be liable to these individuals or entities or to our clients for any release of confidential information, whether as a result of a breach of our security or by accident. Third parties may attempt to breach our security or that of our clients. In particular, a substantial amount of the information contained on our database can only be released to authorized individuals. We may be subject to federal, state and local fines and to civil and criminal liability if we were to inadvertently release this information for unauthorized use as a result of: . errors in our software; . human errors; or . because we are defrauded or deceived by the person seeking the information into believing that he or she is an authorized user of the information. Further, we may be required to expend significant additional capital and other resources to license encryption technology and additional technologies to protect against security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by any breach.
Warda Kawabata Amityville Horror Join date: 4 Nov 2005 Posts: 1,300	05-05-2007 10:49 So LL wants us to give such data to a company that makes its business selling personal data and explcitly notes it can be hacked? I'm even less enthusiastic than before. Seriously, I want some of what Phil was smoking. That's some good crack there. _____________________ I rent out land on private islands. Message me in-world for details.
Jig Chippewa Fine Young Cannibal Join date: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 5,150	05-05-2007 10:55 From: Coyote Momiji Feel free to stop thinking that everyone has to accept your comfort levels. Some of us aren't willing to abrogate our right to privacy so that some idiots can surrender responsibilities. Wow! I wish I had said that! I totally agree.
Caranda Schreiner Registered User Join date: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 98	05-05-2007 11:07 This SEC filing is really interesting, another juicy tidbit - where their data comes from: From: someone We collect and compile information in our databases that we use in connection with our campaign products and services and for our targeted marketing products. Although we collect a significant portion of this information from public records, we also rely on commercial data collection efforts to enhance our records. Individuals have claimed, and may claim in the future, that collection of this information is illegal. Although we believe that we have the right to use and compile the information in these databases, our ability to do so may not remain lawful. Moreover, there may be no trade secret, copyright or other intellectual property protection that is or becomes available for databases that protects our rights. In addition, third parties may assert claims to information contained in our databases. There is also a substantial risk that public perception and approval of the use of information acquired through the Internet to engage in targeted marketing and other commercial purposes may deteriorate. and their involvement in "targeted Internet marketing": From: someone Information in our databases may contain inaccuracies that could render advertising campaigns ineffective, which would in turn harm our ability to promote our Internet marketing efforts and could also subject us to liability. Further, filter software programs used by Internet users may limit or prevent advertising from being delivered to a user's computer. Widespread acceptance of filter software would harm the commercial viability of Internet marketing, and in particular, banner advertising, and thus harm our business.

Welcome to the Second Life Forums Archive

Now I might need a passport to play SL?