Execs at AOL Approved Release of Private Data?

reporter writes "The New York Times has published a report providing further details about the release of private AOL search queries to the public. According to the report: 'Dr. Jensen, who said he had worked closely with Mr. Chowdhury on projects for AOL's search team, also said he had been told that the posting of the data had been approved by all appropriate executives at AOL, including Ms. [Maureen] Govern.' The report also identifies the other two people whom AOL management fired: they are Abdur Chowdhury and his immediate supervisor. Chowdhury is the employee who did the actual public distribution of the private search queries. He, apparently, has retained a lawyer."

Comments

Poor Data

[krell]

First they demote him from being a lt. commander. Then they attach him to AOL. Somewhere Lore must be pulling the strings.

Personal Matters

[kurrik]

"An AOL researcher who put the queries online and a manager overseeing the project were dismissed, according to an AOL employee who did not want to be identified because the company does not comment publicly on personnel matters."

Yeah, wouldn't want anyone's privacy to be compromised??

Mr. Chowdhury is a comedic GENIUS!

[Jakhel]

who else would have the phenomenal insight to give us such gems as

http://i.somethingawful.com//sasbi/2006/08/docevil /8-21-06_21.gif

http://i.somethingawful.com//sasbi/2006/08/docevil /8-13-06_26.gif

and of course

http://i.somethingawful.com//sasbi/2006/08/docevil /8-21-06_9.gif

think of the children

[bigdavex]

The Justice Department has repeatedly signaled its strong interest, through continued conversations with Internet companies and members of Congress, in having the data retained to help it fight terrorism and child pornography . .

I bet they have a stamp that says that.