Download This PaperFirst-Class Objects
15 Pages Posted: 23 Jun 2011
Date Written: June 20, 2011
Abstract
What is the difference between "James Grimmelmann" and "@grimmelm" and why should we care? Some computer systems, like Facebook and credit reporting agencies, are inherently "about" people. Others are not. This essay argues that the key technical difference is whether they use unique identifiers to refer to people in their databases. From this single distinction, a host of social and humanistic consequences follow. The essay taxonomizes them and teases out some of their implications for privacy law.
Keywords: privacy, unique identifiers
JEL Classification: K00
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Grimmelmann, James and Grimmelmann, James, First-Class Objects (June 20, 2011). Journal of Telecommunications and High Technology Law, Vol. 9, p. 421, 2011, NYLS Legal Studies Research Paper No. 11/12 #25, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1870191
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