Dick Carelli, 202-502-2600

September 10, 2007 — The federal Judiciary is seeking comment on the privacy and security implications related to public Internet access to certain documents in criminal case files.

The Court Administration and Case Management Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States is studying these issues so the Conference can develop policy guidance for the federal courts.

The committee is interested in comments on a proposal to restrict public Internet access to plea agreements in criminal cases, which may contain information identifying defendants who are cooperating with law enforcement investigations.

The request for public comment addresses both the privacy and security implications of Internet access to such files and potential policy alternatives.

All comments are due by October 26, 2007, and must include the name, organization (if any), mailing address, and telephone number of the commentator. All comments should also include an email address and a fax number, if available, as well as an indication of whether the commentator is interested in participating in a public hearing, if one is held.

Submission of comments by email is highly encouraged. They may be submitted to privacycomments@ao.uscourts.gov. Comments may be submitted through the U.S. mail to:

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Court Administration Policy Staff
Attn: Privacy Comments
Suite 4-560
One Columbus Circle N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20544

More information about the Judiciary's privacy policy is available at http://www.privacy.uscourts.gov.