Internet Recreation

What is the purpose/goal of the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)?

The Electronic Privacy Information Center, or EPIC, was established in 1994 to draw attention to civil liberties issues like the right to privacy and freedom of speech. This public interest research group also deals with legal values which are primarily prevalent in today’s information age.

EPIC has a wide range of activities that aim to generate awareness and support for the protection of privacy and the other civil liberties. Their email and online newsletters are spread to various groups and individuals whose aim is to support and promote free expression and privacy in relation to the Internet.

The information age has brought about many changes in the value systems of a person, especially those of the children’s. Information is close at hand with the World Wide Web. But this also promotes several acts that violate a person’s privacy. One such example is the proliferation of personal videos in the Net. Most of these videos are obtained without the knowledge of the owner. Another example is evident in the rise of pedophilia and cyrbersex cases. Finally, there is the prevalence of pretexting, phishing, and other ID crises.

This is where EPIC comes in. EPIC offer a safe way of fighting for privacy and other civil rights. In addition, EPIC is also bent on making more people aware of security and privacy issues. Using the Internet in carrying out these goals is an effective in terms of reaching out to more people and grabbing the attention of the younger generation.

EPIC’s reports, books and other publications which provide useful information for the fight against civil rights violations can be found at www.epic.org.