The information technology blog Slashdot is featuring a lively Internet debate on the pending Data Accountability and Trust Act (DATA) approved last week by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. On-the-ground nerds are largely supportive of the bill, which would require companies to disclose all computer system security breaches to customers and others that could be harmed by the release of confidential information. The argument by the IT folks is that mandatory reporting of breaches will increase the incentive for eliminating them, but their corporate bosses are not so keen on the idea, fearing the additional costs of implementation and possible increase in lawsuits deriving from security breaches.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), ID theft cost American consumers $6 billion and businesses $58 billion last year. — Clifford Carlsen

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