Veterans groups sue over data theft

[TechBear_Seattle]

Veterans groups sue over data theft

By HOPE YEN
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

WASHINGTON -- A coalition of veterans' groups charged in a lawsuit Tuesday that their privacy rights were violated after thieves stole personal data on 26.5 million military personnel from a Veterans Affairs employee.

The class-action lawsuit against the federal government, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, is the second suit since the VA disclosed the May 3 burglary two weeks ago.

It demands that the VA fully disclose which military personnel are affected by the data theft and seeks $1,000 in damages to each person - up to $26.5 billion total. The veterans are also asking for a court order barring VA employees from using sensitive data until independent experts determine proper safeguards.

"VA arrogantly compounded its disregard for veterans' privacy rights by recklessly failing to make even the most rudimentary effort to safeguard this trove of the personally identifiable information from unauthorized disclosure," the complaint states.

A spokesman for the VA did not have an immediate comment Tuesday.

The article continues at http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1152AP_Vets_Data.html

[Pacifist Patriot]

1. I struggle so with class action suits.

They can definitely serve the greater good and send a powerful message to organizations that violate people's rights or injure them in some way. On the other hand, I suspect the Veterans will get a pittance compared with the advocates. I hope I'm wrong. Any chance this is being done pro bono?

[Tempest]

2. The money isn't the point

The issue is getting the government to ensure the data it keeps is secure.

The GAO reports for the last 5 years has slammed the VA for it's poor security and lax supervision of employees with access to the private data. The VA has received a grade of F for those 5 years.

Hopefully these lawsuits will finally force the VA into action.

[Pacifist Patriot]

3. Oh I know that. That's why I said I struggle with it.

I know it's a good thing but given what the government has done to the Veterans lately I'd sure like to see them get the biggest slice of the pie if there is a settlement in their favor.