By Tom Spring -
President George W. Bush is a busy juggling a re-election campaign and running the country. That's why I don't blame the President for not responding sooner to questions submitted to him earlier this year for our story, Tech 2004: Where the Candidates Stand.
The Bush camp promised us a reply and eventually delivered. Here are the questions and President Bush's written responses.
PC World: Does e-mail deserve the same, less, or more privacy protection (in transit or stored) than postal mail and other such documents?
Bush: I believe e-mail and electronic data deserve appropriate privacy protections. Among other efforts, my Administration has worked to improve cyber security to help prevent electronic communications from being compromised.
PCW: Would you sign into law an anti-spyware bill with strict definitions and high penalties for violators, such as the Internet Spyware Prevention Act or the SPY ACT?
Bush: My Administration supports clear definitions of spyware. The FTC is currently enforcing existing law and I would support continued efforts to strengthen enforcement with respect to spyware and consider any spyware legislation in that light.
PCW: Should hardware or software manufacturers shoulder at least some level of legal liability for security breaches resulting in loss of data, money, and the like due to flaws or vulnerabilities in their products?
Bush: Manufacturers of defective hardware and software are subject to legal liability under existing law. I support continued enforcement of the law.
PCW: Should electronic voting machines without paper trails be used by any state?
Bush: The administration of elections is primarily a state and local responsibility and I support the right of States to set standards and guidelines for voting equipment. The fairness of all elections, however, is a national priority. State and local officials are being encouraged to conduct elections in a manner that instills confidence in all our citizens. To that end, states and localities are being supported by Federal grants to help them purchase the best available voting technologies.
PCW: Do you support Senator Orrin Hatch's Induce Act?
Bush: My Administration has not endorsed the Induce Act, however, we strongly support efforts to protect intellectual property and will continue to work with Congress to ensure intellectual property is properly protected.
Source: PC World
