Personal data can be seen by states

[struggle4progress]

# Fusion centers can access masses of private information, report says
By Robert O'Harrow Jr.

WASHINGTON POST
Article Launched: 04/06/2008 03:03:06 AM PDT

WASHINGTON -- Intelligence centers run by states across the country have access to personal information about millions of Americans, including unlisted cell phone numbers, insurance claims, driver's license photographs and credit reports, according to a document obtained by the Washington Post ...

Though officials have publicly discussed the fusion centers' importance to national security, they have generally declined to elaborate on the centers' activities. But a document that lists resources used by the fusion centers shows how a dozen of the organizations in the northeastern United States rely far more on access to commercial and government databases than had previously been disclosed ...

Those details have come to light at a time of debate about domestic intelligence efforts, including eavesdropping and data aggregation programs at the National Security Agency, and whether the government has enough protections in place to prevent abuses ...

"Fusion centers have grown, really, off the radar screen of public accountability," said Jim Dempsey, vice president for public policy at the Center for Democracy and Technology, a nonpartisan watchdog group in Washington. "Congress and the state legislatures need to get a handle over what is going on at all these fusion centers." ...

http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_8830572

[NightWatcher]

1. your personal data can be seen by anyone

I am a private investigator and know of several "data brokers" who can get me anything and everything about someone all for a fee.

The only thing scarier than the fact that there are "super databases" is that often times they have WRONG INFORMATION.

[struggle4progress]

2. Reasons for concern include opportunities for political harassment and identity theft

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. Is that data being leaked from...

These Fusion Centers? Because if you have some evidence that it is, please let someone know. Someone in authority. Perhaps a legislator or congressperson.

[BadgerKid]

3. Department of Pre-Crime, at your service. n/t

[fed-up]

5. not only info about you (or politician of the day) but their family and friends-blackmail fodder? nt