More Fallout in H-P Case
The trials and tribulations of the actions in the boardroom at Hewlett-Packard have continued to escalate. Patricia Dunn moved up her exit from the board and was summoned to a Congressional hearing where she denied that she had knowledge of the escapades which occurred. The House of Representatives is now considering enhanced penalties for ‘pretexting.” Representative Edward Markey of Massachusetts is leading this effort.
Mark Hurd the current CEO is also being asked the question, “What did you know and when did you know it?” These questions seem to be obvious whenever scandal is involved. Mr. Hurd and his counsel’s responses seem to be shifting, both in when he was made of aware of the actions and his involvement in the process. It is unfortunate that one of America’s most respected companies (until now) has placed itself in this position.
In addition to company’s actions, Cingular is now suing CAS Agency of Atlanta and its primary Charles Kelly over gaining access to cell phone records. Dawn Kawamoto, a reporter for CNET, who reported the original story was one victim whose information had been purloined. Verizon and Vodaphone have also filed legal proceedings related to the case.
In a related action, the Federal Trade Commission has settled with Integrity Security & Investigation Services for marketing services that allow consumers to gather information on other’s phone records. The agreement provides for ISIS to cease its illegal activities as well as “disgorge ill-gotten gains derived from alleged violations.”
The big question here is whether additional legislation is required when laws already exist? It seems enforcement is lacking. Congress is considering new laws that place more responsibility on the telephone companies to protect customer data. We have seen enforcement responsibility pushed to the private sector in banking and now communications. What good does it do to continue to pass laws that are simply ignored? Let’s prosecute offenders even if they are corporate execs.
By the way, the phone companies, which have armies of lobbyists in Washington are opposed to accepting the enforcement provisions. Can you guess how this might end?
Mark Hurd the current CEO is also being asked the question, “What did you know and when did you know it?” These questions seem to be obvious whenever scandal is involved. Mr. Hurd and his counsel’s responses seem to be shifting, both in when he was made of aware of the actions and his involvement in the process. It is unfortunate that one of America’s most respected companies (until now) has placed itself in this position.
In addition to company’s actions, Cingular is now suing CAS Agency of Atlanta and its primary Charles Kelly over gaining access to cell phone records. Dawn Kawamoto, a reporter for CNET, who reported the original story was one victim whose information had been purloined. Verizon and Vodaphone have also filed legal proceedings related to the case.
In a related action, the Federal Trade Commission has settled with Integrity Security & Investigation Services for marketing services that allow consumers to gather information on other’s phone records. The agreement provides for ISIS to cease its illegal activities as well as “disgorge ill-gotten gains derived from alleged violations.”
The big question here is whether additional legislation is required when laws already exist? It seems enforcement is lacking. Congress is considering new laws that place more responsibility on the telephone companies to protect customer data. We have seen enforcement responsibility pushed to the private sector in banking and now communications. What good does it do to continue to pass laws that are simply ignored? Let’s prosecute offenders even if they are corporate execs.
By the way, the phone companies, which have armies of lobbyists in Washington are opposed to accepting the enforcement provisions. Can you guess how this might end?
posted by skgroner | 8:12 AM
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