As readers of the InsidePrivacy blog know, we often save some fun reading on privacy issues for the weekend, given the crush of business during the week.  The past couple of weeks have been a challenging time for the Internet, though, and our thoughts have turned to the darker side of anonymity and privacy.  The scourge of the so-called #GamerGate movement has resulted in stunning threats of violence against women in the gaming community, causing Brianna Wu and Zoe Quinn to leave their homes after a barrage of threats, and media critic Anita Sarkeesian being forced to cancel a public presentation because of a death threat.  Civility online is under siege, and cyberthreats against women seem to be escalating.  Can anything be done?

Fortunately, Maryland law professor Danielle Citron’s new book, Hate Crimes in Cyberspace, has arrived at just the right moment.  Danielle’s work provides a thorough exposition of the problem and clear-minded thinking about potential solutions.  It’s the perfect weekend reading for those, like this writer, who feel a need to find solutions and restore hope in the potential of online discourse.  If you haven’t picked up Danielle’s book yet, there are excellent reviews of it here and here.  It is insightful and thoughtful, and a wonderful contribution to our thinking on these essential issues.

Speaking of sensitive information (see what I did there?), University of Colorado’s Paul Ohm, always insightful, has focused his considerable intellect on the topic of sensitive data.  In an article for the Southern California Law Review just released, entitled Sensitive Information, Paul tackles the categories of sensitive personal information and asks the right questions about how we ought to consider treating those types of information. 

Finally, it really wouldn’t be a weekend without thinking about the Internet of Things.  The Harvard Business Review has devoted a substantial part of an issue to how connected devices are transforming competition, and I’m looking forward to digging in. 

If there are interesting and compelling pieces you’re reading or watching about privacy these days, we’d love to know about them.  Please tell us on Facebook or Twitter, and we’ll share them through the blog. 

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Photo of Kurt Wimmer Kurt Wimmer

Kurt Wimmer is a partner concentrating in privacy, data protection and technology law.  He advises national and multinational companies on privacy, data security and technology issues, particularly in connection with online and mobile media, targeted advertising, and monetization strategies.  Mr. Wimmer is rated…

Kurt Wimmer is a partner concentrating in privacy, data protection and technology law.  He advises national and multinational companies on privacy, data security and technology issues, particularly in connection with online and mobile media, targeted advertising, and monetization strategies.  Mr. Wimmer is rated in the first tier by Legal 500, designated as a national leader in Chambers USA, and is included in Best Lawyers in America in four categories.  He represents companies and associations on public policy matters before the FTC, FCC, Congress and state attorneys general, as well as in privacy assessments and policies, strategic content ventures, copyright protection and strategy, content liability advice, and international matters.