ACLU of Wisconsin Seeks Milwaukee County Data Privacy Standards

MILWAUKEE, WI – Today the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin asked Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker for an explanation of the county’s data privacy protection standards.  The request follows media reports that the county gave a community group billing and other records which included personally identifiable and sensitive medical information.  The community group posted the information on its website and apparently has subsequently redacted portions of it.

In a letter to Walker, ACLU of Wisconsin executive director Chris Ahmuty wrote that the release is “troubling whether the release is to one individual, to a group, or to the whole world via the Internet.”   He added, “Such a release may constitute an invasion of privacy or a violation of … (HIPAA).”

The ACLU of Wisconsin recognizes that the county needs to monitor its billing system to prevent overpayments or even fraud, but including personally identifiable information is not necessary in all records or databases.  Ahmuty’s letter to Walker asks, “What standards does Milwaukee County have in place?” 

Ahmuty said today, “Real harm can come to county residents when sensitive medical information becomes available to landlords, employers, or neighborhood gossips.  Just because someone is dependent on county services or has been ordered by a court to receive services, it doesn’t mean that the county should not be held accountable for protecting its residents’ privacy.”

Ahmuty concluded his remarks, “After the County ’s response to this initial request we will decide whether or not to ask for a comprehensive review of the county’s data privacy policies and practices.”

The ACLU of Wisconsin is a membership organization dedicated to the protection of the civil liberties and rights of all Wisconsin residents.

Ahmuty’s letter to Walker is here

Press release in .pdf