Jim Harper ‘94 Participates in Economist Debate

In an online debate hosted by the Economist, Jim Harper '94 assumes the role of the opposition in response to the statement that governments must do far more to protect online privacy. Harper opens by saying, "The internet is not for couch potatoes. It is an interactive medium. While internet users enjoy its offerings, they should be obligated to participate in watching out for themselves. Government efforts to provide online privacy will almost certainly make a hash of things."

Harper is currently the Director of information policy studies with the Cato Institute, focusing on the difficult problems of adapting law and policy to the unique problems of the information age. He is also a member of the US Department of Homeland Security's Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee.

Economist Debates adapt the Oxford style of debating to an online forum. It revolves around an assertion that is defended on one side (the "proposer") and assailed on another (the "opposition") in a contest hosted and overseen by a moderator. Each side has three chances to persuade readers: opening, rebuttal and closing.

Visit The Economist to read the entire debate.