Internet Indiscretions

In the rush to incorporate the Web in our daily business, we sometimes create problems instead of solutions. Witness the latest Internet blunder: the accidental posting of detailed psychological records for 62 children and teenagers by the University of Montana (The Los Angeles Times online, November 7, 2001).

According to the publication, 400 pages of confidential documents describing patient visits and diagnoses by therapists were made available for eight days to visitors to the university's Web page. Investigators aren't sure why the records--never meant for public consumption--were put on the page, though officials theorize a student or technical employee may have accidentally posted them.

How many people viewed the records or whether the files were copied is also unknown by officials.

While technology certainly has made getting and providing information easier in many respects, care must be taken to use the technology appropriately. That includes adequate safeguards to prevent confidential information from getting into the wrong hands.

Always remember that technology is a "double-edged sword." For every solution it offers, a problem may also ensue. Choose technology that works best for your audience but also maintain standards that protect all parties involved.

In the case of posting information to the Internet, assign an editor or similar professional to review materials before information goes out. Establish protocols for security--and stick to them. Remember, once information makes it to the Web, it can be viewed worldwide by anyone.