The report is presented in two parts. The first examines the social and technical implications of information systems vis a vis the individual's ability to control the dissemination of information about himself. It is argued that information systems must incorporate certain properties in their initial design in order to safeguard man's individuality while still providing a complex and interdependent society the information it needs to function effectively. These properties are: (1) Control of access by the individual; (2) Accuracy and completeness of information; (3) Audit trail; (4) Potent legislative support. The philosophy embodied by these properties is meant to guide the evolution of technology. In that respect they are implementation independent. The second part applies these properties of safe information systems derived in Part I to problems currently encountered in the medical environment. A toxicological information system, a drug information system, and a patient's medical record information system are each analyzed vis a vis society's right to learn and the individual's right of privacy. The framework for this discussion is presented in Part I--the dual role of man. Suggestions are then presented for using available techniques to safeguard society's attempts at using the new information handling technologies (computers). (Author)