ABSTRACT
Government officials, journalists, other public information users who frequently access public databases, citizens, as well as others are debating the issue in what seems to be a lengthy process not anywhere near resolution in 1998. Perhaps the single most significant concern in the late 1990s that involves access to computer-based public records is open access. There seem to be two main issues involved in access to public databases. Some companies that have made public databases available to the public for sale have a vested interest in maintaining control over the government data because it is a big revenue source. Most Americans, particularly newsmakers and potential newsmakers, value their privacy. There is growing pressure—perhaps stronger than ever before—on legislators to modify existing laws or to create new laws that regulate release of certain types of personal information in the public record and in private sector databases as well.
