Sun Microsystems Hosts Panel Discussion on Privacy and the "Network of You"

Business Wire, Dec 13, 2007

Privacy Experts from the State of California, Sun, Intuit, Agilent and UC Berkeley and Moderator Dr. Moira Gunn, Host of Tech Nation and BioTech Nation, Address Privacy Threats and Solutions

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- More than 50 representatives from the technology industry, policy organizations and the press turned out today for a panel discussion hosted by Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq:JAVA) regarding privacy in the participatory web era that Sun refers to as the "Network of You."

The panelists shared their perspectives on the challenges and potential solutions to protect individual privacy in an age in which more and more personal information is moving onto the Internet, ranging from financial data to health records to family photos.

Acting as moderator, Dr. Moira Gunn raised several hot-button issues, including the role of companies in protecting their employees' and their customers' privacy, the impact of existing legislation and need for standardized regulations, and how social networking sites have increased privacy risks, particularly for young people. In addition, the panelists discussed global implications for privacy with regard to cultural differences, offshoring and outsourcing, harmonization of identity standards, and the importance of education, processes, and technology to safeguard privacy.

By and large the panelists agreed that protecting privacy is an inevitable challenge in a free society. "Secrecy is different from privacy, which is a managed asset," noted Michelle Dennedy, Chief Privacy Officer, Sun Microsystems. "We must expand the way we think about privacy and talk about personal information management. As we continue to develop our laws, knowledge, and technologies in the Network of You, there's a greater need to allow individuals more calibrated controls over their personal privacy."

Video highlights and a transcript of the event will be available soon at: http://www.sun.com/aboutsun/media/presskits/2007-1212/index.jsp

Today's panel included:

* Jim Allen, Chief Privacy Officer, Agilent

* Michelle Dennedy, Chief Privacy Officer, Sun Microsystems

* Dr. Moira Gunn, Host of NPR's Tech Nation and BioTech Nation

* Barbara Lawler, Chief Privacy Officer, Intuit

* Joanne McNabb, Chief, California Office of Privacy Protection

* Deirdre K. Mulligan, Clinical Professor of Law; Director, Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic; Director, Clinical Program

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Sun Microsystems develops the technologies that power the global marketplace. Guided by a singular vision -- "The Network is the Computer" -- Sun drives network participation through shared innovation, community development and open source leadership. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the Web at http://sun.com