February 28, 2002

Big Brother Casts Growing Shadow

Local attorney examines how increasing national security affects privacy

STORY IDEA: As security in U.S. airports tightened another notch this month, more and more travelers are finding less and less privacy. Screeners may examine anything and everything from your sensitive business documents to your skivvies. Now state motor vehicle departments are pushing to create a national ID card, possibly containing biometric data.

While many people willingly sacrifice in the interest of national security, many others are carefully watching to ensure a balance between protecting the rights and safety of seemingly law-abiding citizens.

Local attorney and privacy expert Ellen Frantz of Johns, Flaherty & Collins can discuss what safeguards the Bill of Rights and other laws offer and how to be sure we balance privacy and security in this new age.

BACKGROUND: After the September 11 attacks on the United States, the Security Against Terrorism Act gave the government greater powers to listen in on private conversations and read e-mail of U.S. citizens. The act recognizes homegrown terrorists like Timothy McVeigh need to be monitored along with foreign nationals, who previously were protected by federal law.

CONTACT: Ellen Frantz, Johns, Flaherty & Collins, 608-784-5678 or Annette Mikat, Mikat Public Relations, 608-782-1780.