Medical privacy — In HIPAA news, the Department of Justice has released a new ruling regarding HIPAA. The opinion is available here (PDF). Also, the HHS report summarizing the 500 + comments on the RFI for the National Health Information Network has been posted. The HHS report is available here. The World Privacy Forum and the Electronic Frontier Foundation submitted joint comments for the NHIN RFI, those comments are available here (PDF).

Financial and Internet privacy — Before you call, click, or mail away for your federally mandated free credit report, read these tips to help you avoid potential problems. This consumer tip sheet includes graphics to show you what problematic “fake” free credit sites look like, and includes consumer-tested tips for safely receiving your free reports. The tip sheet also includes resources with information, phone numbers, and addresses for ordering your report.

Extensive, joint comments with EFF and other groups regarding difficulties and issues with RFID in U.S. passports.

We request that the Federal Trade Commission take immediate steps to correct the credit bureaus’ implementation of the Web site www.annualcreditreport.com. As you know, Congress mandated that the credit bureaus create a central repository for consumers to access their credit report free of charge on a once-per-year basis.

The World Privacy Forum and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse sent a letter to the FTC today requesting the agency immediately take steps to protect consumers in advance of the March 1 rollout of free credit reports to Midwestern U.S. residents.