Smackdown: Consumer Privacy vs. Advertiser Revenue: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology..

I attended Smackdown: Consumer Privacy vs. Advertiser Revenue and was expecting to hear good discussion about how advertising and targeting firms are battling with privacy groups to meet the needs of the consumer. I was a little disappointed in how little representation from the privacy end there was in the room. The panel opened with moderator Alan Chapell from BlueKai asking whom in the room represented the business side of consumer data and who was from the advocacy end. I was one of three people representing the advocacy end.

The talk began with defining what data they were talking about as panelists tiptoed around exactly what data is being taken by marketers and commented that nothing used is personally identifiable and is used to tailor a better online experience; however, the panel didn’t really discuss one of the most important questions of user data being used for marketing - how long this data is kept and stored?

Discussion from the panelists turned to how advertisers can adapt their industry practices and data practices in the changing legislative environment. The FTC’s public roundtables, in which CDT participated, were discussed as was legislation in Congress being proposed by Rep. Boucher. [ Read more ... ]

Privacy Protection Needed as Smart Grid Arrives / Groups Urge California PUC to Adopt Rules to Protect Consumer Privacy: Via CDT.

SAN FRANCISCO – Privacy advocates are warning that "smart meters" intended to precisely measure and control home electrical consumption could erode the privacy of daily life unless regulators limit data collection and disclosure. In a joint filing yesterday, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) urged the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to adopt rules to protect the privacy and security of consumers’ energy-usage information. The Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic at UC Berkeley School of Law drafted the comments for CDT.

Joint CDT - EFF Comments to California Public Utilities Commission

More information about privacy and the smart grid

California’s Smart Grid Initiative

Read Original Article:(Via CDT.)

The Botnet Challenge: by CDT Via Comcast Voices | The Official Comcast Blog.

Editor's Note: Our thanks to Leslie Harris, President and CEO, Center for Democracy & Technology, for writing this guest blog post about botnets.

Botnets are armies of computers that criminals have infected with malicious software so they can control them to remotely to steal information, launch denial-of-service attacks, spread malware and host illegal content. Botnets are one of the most serious threats to Internet security today. They have compromised untold millions of computers – and even DSL routers – worldwide. The Conficker worm alone has infected up to 15 million consumer, business and government computers into a massive botnet in a little over two years.

Botnet armies are built on the computers of regular Internet users who have no idea that their PCs have been compromised and are being used for malicious purposes. In fact, botnets depend on users’ ignorance in order to stay operational. At the same time, the spam, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks that botnets perpetrate may have little or no impact on the compromised users or their ISPs, while wreaking havoc on faraway users connected to entirely different networks. [ Read more ... ]

CDT Issues Report Recommending Privacy Guidelines for Digital Signage Industry: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology.

Washington -- On Monday, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) released a report that includes a set of privacy recommendations for the rapidly growing digital signage industry.  The report focuses on the industry's adoption of identification and interactivity technologies such as facial recognition, mobile marketing, social networking, RFID tracking and license plate scanners.

The recommendations in CDT's report, "Building The Digital-Out-Of-Home Privacy Infrastructure," are based on the widely accepted Fair Information Practices (FIPs). [ Read more ... ]

Location Data Sensitive Like Medical Information, Says Congressional Witness: Via NYTimes.com .

"The writing is on the wall that there will be baseline privacy legislation introduced," said John Morris, general counsel for the Center for Democracy & Technology at a Congressional hearing on location data and privacy yesterday. "It will require location be treated as sensitive data, like medical data. You'll need to do more than just post a disclosure statement."

We're entering an era of location as platform but should that location data be as fundamentally private by default as medical information is?

Many users are concerned about their location being exposed in ways they don't control and that have adverse impacts on their safety and freedom. That's one side of the debate. [ Read more ... ]

A Good Day for Health Privacy: Via CDT.

Today’s Health IT News was focused on the Health IT Policy Committee’s discussions about adding some flexibility to the criteria that health care providers and hospitals will have to meet in order to be “meaningfully using” health IT.  Only “meaningful users” are eligible for to receive federal funds under the stimulus legislation (ARRA) to purchase electronic health records.  

  [ Read more ... ]

Cell Phone Users: Your Privacy is at Risk: Via Blog of Rights: Official Blog of the American Civil Liberties Union.

(Originally posted on Philly.com)

If you own a cell phone, you should care about the outcome of a case scheduled to be argued in federal appeals court in Philadelphia tomorrow. It could well decide whether the government can use your cell phone to track you — even if it hasn't shown probable cause to believe it will turn up evidence of a crime.

The American Civil Liberties Union, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Center for Democracy and Technology will ask the court to require that the government at least show probable cause before it can track your whereabouts.

Although most people don't realize it, cell phones double as tracking devices. Newer phones contain GPS chips, the same technology that allows car navigation systems to know where you are and give directions ("Turn right now"). But even older phones that don't have chips can be tracked by knowing the location of the cell towers they use to connect to a network. [ Read more ... ]

Seven "Corporations of Interest" in Selling Surveillance Tools to China: Via EFF.org Updates.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's announcement of a new U.S. policy on global Internet Freedom included a bold new statement about the responsibilities of American technology companies:

...We are urging U.S. media companies to take a proactive role in challenging foreign governments' demands for censorship and surveillance. The private sector has a shared responsibility to help safeguard free expression. And when their business dealings threaten to undermine this freedom, they need to consider what’s right, not simply what’s a quick profit.

We couldn't agree more. [ Read more ... ]

FTC Roundtable: Technology's Impact on Privacy: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology.

In her opening remarks at the second of the FTC’s roundtables in its Exploring Privacy series, FTC Commissioner Pamela Jones Harbour was characteristically observant in noting that the mobile space is “crying out for greater privacy.” She reminded us of the 100,000 mobile apps that have been developed for just one mobile platform (the iPhone) among many, but aptly noted that “there’s no app” to give users greater control over their mobile data and the ways that data generated by mobile devices can be used for consumer tracking. Across all the most popular mobile applications platforms (including iPhone and Android), there are nearly 3000 location-based applications, and surely only a fraction, if any, are designed to enhance location privacy rather than invade it. [ Read more ... ]

Today is Data Privacy Day: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology.

Today is Data Privacy Day – an international celebration of the dignity of the individual expressed through their personal information. This is exactly what "Take Back Your Privacy" is all about as we work with supporters, businesses and legislators to increase user control of their personal data.
 
To help celebrate Data Privacy Day, we urge you to do any number of the following activities to show your support for protecting digital privacy:
  [ Read more ... ]

Privacy Recommendations for the National Broadband Plan: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology.

Last week, CDT filed two sets of comments to the Federal Communications Commission regarding privacy concerns and expectations associated with broadband adoption and use. The FCC is in the process of drafting a national broadband plan and CDT has called upon the Commission to include in this plan a number of policy initiatives and reforms that could help spur the Internet’s continued growth. [ Read more ... ]

CDT Offers Recommendations For FCC “Open Internet” Rules: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology.

1/25/2010

CDT Comments to the FCC on Net Neutrality

FCC's NPRM

Internet Openness & Standards

Internet Neutrality

1) CDT Offers Recommendations in FCC’s “Open Internet” Proceeding

2) Questioning the FCC’s Assertions of Jurisdiction over the Internet

3) Comments on the Proposed Rules

4) The Road Ahead and the Comcast Appeal

Read Original Article:(Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology.)

High Value Data Sets in the Wild: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology..

Friday marked the first set of deadlines for agencies set by the Open Government Directive - and the White House has delivered the first set of data sets from agencies. The new data sets represent all cabinet-level departments, from tire safety ratings to workplace injury data.
 
It's hard to decide what a "high value data set" is, exactly. For some, data about contracts is most important, or information about FOIA requests. Maybe for the agency employees, the menu in the cafeteria is the most useful data set. It does look like there are a number of very useful data sets here and we are interested to see what people do with the National Treasures data set. Of course, there are some data sets that are clearly high value to the public. [ Read more ... ]

How Rapleaf Is Data-Mining Your Friend Lists to Predict Your Credit Risk: Via CDT.

Fast Company

How Rapleaf Is Data-Mining Your Friend Lists to Predict Your Credit Risk

11/16/2009

It's only logical that marketers would be looking for value in that information. The question is: does the consumer have some awareness and control about what's being collected?

Jim Dempsey - Vice President for Public Policy, CDT

Consumer Privacy

Rapleaf is one of a multitude of innovative start-ups currently driving the burgeoning social media monitoring (SMM) space. [ Read more ... ]

John Morris will speak at a National Town Hall Webcast on Net Neutrality, Copyright Protection and the National Broadband Plan: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology.

January 19, 2010 - 8:00am - 11:00am

John Morris

Internet Openness & Standards

Internet Neutrality

John Morris will speak at a National Town Hall Webcast on Net Neutrality, Copyright Protection and the National Broadband Plan.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski has confirmed that he will offer video remarks to kick off the Town Hall Webcast, by BroadbandBreakfast.com. [ Read more ... ]

Ari Schwartz will participate in Great Debate, PBS: Our Lives Online: Safe or Not?: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology

February 5, 2010 - 4:00pm - 5:30pm

The Texas Lyceum
San Antonio, TX

Ari Schwartz will participate in Great Debate, PBS:  Our Lives Online: Safe or Not? The debate, to be televised statewide via public television, will tackle the thorny issue of whether existing laws and technologies adequately protect our data and identities in an online world.  Panelists will represent opposing viewpoints in this debate – hackers and privacy advocates who will likely argue these protections are inadequate, and security leaders and government leaders who will argue that laws and technologies are closing the gap. 

Read Original Article:(Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology.)

CRS Report: Primer on Federal Wiretapping Law: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology..

CRS Report of the Month
# 98-326

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has a new report entitled Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping.  It is a great primer for those interested in the issue.  [ Read more ... ]

REAL ID is Punted Again: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology..

DHS pushed back the December 31 deadline for REAL ID compliance until May 11, 2011  providing (at least in theory) the 46 states that have not yet improved driver's license standard more time to do so.  WIth PASS ID — the bill that would make REAL ID easier to comply with and add privacy protections — still not through the Senate, it is not terribly surprising that REAL ID is once again delayed.  CDT still worries that the climate will be different at the next deadline and the compromise that forces the hand of the states to act will not be nearly as privacy-friendly as PASS ID.

Read Original Article:(Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology..)

Newly-released documents show flaws in domestic intelligence collection and oversight: Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology.

Last Wednesday several U.S. intelligence agencies released previously classified documents in response to FOIA litigation from EFF & ACLU. Among these was a document reporting that the Department of Homeland Security had improperly investigated the Nation of Islam in 2007. DHS retracted the intelligence report on the black Muslim group hours after its release – but not before the report was disseminated widely to hundreds of other government agencies, private organizations and individuals. While it is a positive sign that DHS’ intelligence oversight managed to catch and retract the Nation of Islam report, the fact that the report was written at all suggests continuing confusion, at the working level, about what is the proper focus of domestic intelligence activity.

The government has spied on the Nation of Islam and its leaders for decades, but never obtained evidence that the organization was a terrorist outfit. So why was it under investigation yet again? Not because new evidence of violence or illegality surfaced, but because the group’s leader was sick.

Read Original Article:(Via CDT - Center for Democracy & Technology.)

Fusion Centers Get New Privacy Orders Via DHS Grants: Via Untitled Source.

Last Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the release of guidance for awarding grants for 2010. That Friday, the DHS Privacy Office publicly highlighted a provision of the guidance for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) grant program that relates to fusion centers. The grant program requires fusion centers to certify compliance with the privacy and civil liberties guidelines of the Information Sharing Environment (ISE). [ Read more ... ]

FTC Roundtables on Privacy and Technology Begin Today!: Via CDT.

Today the FTC begins hosting their series of day-long public roundtable discussions to explore the privacy challenges posed by new technology and business practices that collect and use consumer data. These discussions are being aired on a live webcast courtesy of the FTC and are a great opportunity for privacy advocates to make a public statement about the importance of improving privacy controls at the same rate we are advancing new innovations in technology. 

 
CEO Leslie Harris is a panelist at today's morning session discussing the benefits and risks of collecting, using, and retaining consumer data. These are all important issues that need to be brought to attention of federal agencies, Internet companies and Congress. 
 

Read Original Article:(Via CDT.)

CDT’s ‘Take Back Your Privacy’ Campaign Will Put Privacy Front and Center: Via Untitled Source.

CDT’s ‘Take Back Your Privacy’ Campaign Will Put Privacy Front and Center

WASHINGTON – The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) today launched its Take Back Your Privacy campaign designed around the twin goals of:   [ Read more ... ]

• Securing passage of a comprehensive federal consumer privacy law that establishes clear rights for consumers and clear rules for companies that collect personal information.
• Increasing demand for and availability of user-friendly privacy tools to give Internet users more control of their data.

Calling for Interns, law clerks, and a Google Policy Fellow!: Via CDT - PolicyBeta.

CDT is now accepting applications for interns and law clerks for both the spring and summer. Law clerks and interns contribute substantially to CDT’s work by conducting legal and policy research; drafting reports and legal analyses; assisting in the preparation of testimony, presentations, legislation and briefs; and by helping create online and other educational resources. The small size of our organization guarantees close interaction with staff attorneys and policy experts. Law clerks and interns have the opportunity to work on a broad array of issues, including online free expression, electronic surveillance, digital copyright, cybersecurity, Internet governance, and a range of privacy issues from spyware to health privacy to RFID technology to government ID programs. [ Read more ... ]

P3P and the Future of PETs: Via CDT - PolicyBeta.

I will be speaking on Thursday at the European Commission’s Workshop on the Economic Benefits of Privacy-enhancing Technologies in Brussels. With many calling for a revamping of ideas using metadata to help protect privacy, I felt that it was important to use the occasion to write a short paper entitled “Looking Back at P3P: Lessons for the Future,” which details the successes and failures of P3P (The Platform for Privacy Preferences). [ Read more ... ]

Considering the Cloud in Sunny Madrid: Via CDT - PolicyBeta.

Last week, I attended the 31st International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners in Madrid. Government data privacy officials representing 46 countries were there, as well as hundreds of lawyers, corporate privacy officers and advocates from around the globe.

There were plenary sessions and panels on every possible privacy issue but at the center of much of the discussion were the complex and seemingly unanswerable questions about global data flows in an era of cloud computing: What is the right way to protect privacy in an Internet cloud where data flows don’t respect borders? When consumers from around the world place their data in a social networking site based in the United States, which data protection laws should apply? Who should be accountable for data privacy and security when data is collected by one entity and then stored with cloud providers offering storage, processing and software as a service? When those cloud providers move data from server to server, often in multiple jurisdictions, which data protection rules apply and which country may assert jurisdiction over the data when other substantive legal questions arise? [ Read more ... ]