Privacy becoming more elusive for Americans: Individuals might treasure their personal data like Social Security and credit-card numbers, but identity thieves can buy them cheap and in bulk online. Credit-card numbers can now go for as little as 40 cents each. A matching name, Social Security number, address, and date of birth cost just $2.00, according to security experts. Even as the incidences of identity theft reach record highs, the government and private institutions continue to collect record amounts of personal, private data. [CSM]
U.S. Plans to Collect DNA on Any Federal Arrest: The government plans to begin collecting DNA samples from anyone arrested by a federal law enforcement agency, a move intended to prevent violent crime but which is also raising concerns about the privacy of innocent people. Using authority granted by Congress, the government also plans to collect DNA samples from foreigners who are detained. [NYT]
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