Judge tosses online privacy case
A district court judge has ruled an airline web site's online privacy policy is unenforceable. The case involves people suing Northwest for releasing their private data to the government after 9/11.
"Although Northwest had a privacy policy for information included on the Web site, plaintiffs do not contend that they actually read the privacy policy prior to providing Northwest with their personal information," [Minnesota U.S. District Judge Paul] Magnuson noted. "Thus, plaintiffs' expectation of privacy was low."
What has my expectation got to do with it? If I don't trust the bastards (and I don't), that makes it legally fine for them to lie to me? The Bush adminsitration would
love that one.
Was this judge appointed by W., by any chance?
Well, no.
Magnuson, Paul Arthur
Born 1937 in Carthage, SD
Federal Judicial Service:
U. S. District Court, District of Minnesota
Nominated by Ronald Reagan on September 28, 1981
Isn't the stuff google turns up wonderful?
Wonderful, but ambiguous. Before we demonize this judge, note this earlier story:
Judge speaks out against Congress, Ashcroft
And here's another on a conservation-related case. This judge certainly doesn't seem to be a wingnut, but a conscientious guy who calls them as he sees the law.
Nothing is simple. <Sigh>. More information usually makes a black-and-white picture gray. Still, it's nice to have more information.
Q: Is there a registry that categorizes federal judges on their records, the way various organizations do for members of congress?
A: "You can get anything you want at Alice's restaurant."
I have to go to work now. This internet thing will ruin me.