A Discussion with Microsoft's David Purcell
New technologies like Web services are expected to change the way we develop Internet applications. But they also raise concerns about privacy, from consumers and businesses alike. Perhaps no company has been more scrutinized than Microsoft, whose .Net platform is expected to be one of the key technologies in the Web services market. Web Techniques caught up with Richard Purcell, Microsoft's director of corporate privacy, to see how the gang from Redmond feels about this subject—nd what the rest of us should expect.
Web Techniques: There seems to be a public perception that individual privacy is at greater risk when dealing with online businesses. What do you think causes this perception?
Richard Purcell: Because we live in an age where information is the newest and most valued commodity, individuals feel as though they have less control over who has their information.
WT: So what can businesses do to combat this perception?
RP: Customers have told us they want to use technology, not be used by technology. So we've been committed to enabling consumers to better manage their information. This means providing software tools, and it also means giving our consumers the needed consent, notice, and access to their information whenever they do business with us.
WT: What's your reaction to government's handling of privacy issues?
RP: We believe that the sector approach that we've seen the government take to regulating private information and sensitive data is very appropriate, such as for medical data, financial information, and children's information.<>
