Send comments now to the AICPA on their Privacy Maturity Model

The PMM, based on Generally Accepted Privacy Principles (GAPP), outlines the expectations on each of the six levels of maturity in the Capability Maturity Model for each of the 73 criteria in GAPP. The PMM recognizes that an organization’s privacy practices may be at various levels or stages and that based on the organization’s privacy risk assessment, not all privacy initiatives need to reach the highest level. The PMM can serve as a valuable benchmarking tool and serve as a guide as to how practices in a certain area could be improved and strengthened.

Individuals and organizations are invited to submit comments on the PMM and attached user guide. Feel free to make comments directly on the draft documents by tracking changes and adding comments. To be considered, comments must be sent to nicholas.cheung@cica.ca by October 1, 2010.

The first set of questions I will raise with them (meeting this afternoon) are related to multi-tenant and multi-jurisdiction environments — cloudy privacy. The second question set is related to the optimized level. I have always found that organizations tend not to aim beyond a level three. Is five really meant to be practical or are four and five just holy grail stuff?

The National Irish Bank has issued a report that urges the government to reduce ATM withdrawals

National Irish Bank said in its report, “Target 2013: Modernizing Payments In Ireland,” that ATMs are the principal way many consumers access cash, and the government should try to influence people to reduce cash withdrawals from ATMs in favor of a greater use of debit cards and other electronic payments. The study said by moving to electronic payments and away from cash and checks, the country would save 1 billion euros (U.S. $1.3 billion) annually or about 680 euros (U.S.$869) per household.