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White House Orders Review of Big Data

The review aims to serve as a foundation for action.

The White House last week ordered a review of big data, how it is changing the way we live and work, and how it can be employed with minimal risks to privacy.

"We are undergoing a revolution in the way that information about our purchases, our conversations, our social networks, our movements, and even our physical identities are collected, stored, analyzed and used," said John Podesta, counselor to the president in a blog. "The immense volume, diversity and potential value of data will have profound implications for privacy, the economy, and public policy."

Driving the review will be Podesta, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz, the President’s Science Advisor John Holdren, the President’s Economic Advisor Gene Sperling and other senior government officials. Podesta says that while a comprehensive policy will not materialize in 90 days, he expects the review to serve as "the foundation for a robust and forward-looking plan of action."

Wayne E. Hanson served as a writer and editor with e.Republic from 1989 to 2013, having worked for several business units including Government Technology magazine, the Center for Digital Government, Governing, and Digital Communities. Hanson was a juror from 1999 to 2004 with the Stockholm Challenge and Global Junior Challenge competitions in information technology and education.