P2P-Related Security Breach Underscores Importance Of Legislation

Press Release

P2P-Related Security Breach Underscores Importance Of Legislation

Calling attention to her legislation that would make users more aware of the inherent dangers of using popular peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today issued the following statement on the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) letters to almost 100 organizations informing them that personal information, including sensitive data about customers and employers, were made available on P2P networks and could be vulnerable to fraud or identity theft:

"Inadvertent sharing of personal information continues to be a serious problem on peer-to-peer networks," said Bono Mack. "This latest security breach only underscores how it important it is that users are made aware of the potential risks involved with using these popular programs.

"Far too many people have no idea that by using P2P software, they could be making all of their personal information, including financial records, social security numbers, health-related information and family photos, available to complete strangers on the network."

Bono Mack notes that her legislation, the Informed P2P User Act (H.R. 1319), which was passed by the House of Representatives and is being considered in the Senate, requires that P2P programs provide clear and conspicuous notice to consumers about what files will be shared and obtain consent from the consumers prior to making those files available on any P2P network.

"The Informed P2P User Act is an important step that will protect consumers and keep their personal information from being inadvertently shared with everyone on a P2P network. It is my hope that the Senate will act quickly to pass this important legislation and prevent these kinds of security breaches in the future."

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