Legislative amendments to existing privacy laws in the aftermath of the events of September 11, together with the expansion of technologies that increasingly minimize anonymity and maximize tracking of individuals, have raised questions about the appropriate balance of civil liberties and national security. Information technologies in higher education is a natural focus for these activities given the degree to which the teaching, research and outreach missions rely on unfettered network communications. Moreover, higher education acts as anchor to our society's commitments to free speech, open inquiry and creative innovation.
Some information regarding how legislative changes in privacy laws affect higher education, especially in the electronic realm, and what the impact might be on society at large, can be found in these pages.
