Administration Calls for Privacy Bill of
Rights
The Obama administration is calling on congress to enact a "privacy bill of
rights". At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and
Transportation, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Lawrence Strickland urged
the Committee to provide additional powers to the Federal Trade Commission
to protect Internet personal privacy, embracing "fair information
practices".
Senator John Kerry (D-MA) also confirmed that he is developing "Commercial
Privacy Bill of Rights" legislation to establish a commercial code of
conduct.
The committee's discussion primarily centered on Internet tracking, with FTC
Chairman Jon Leibowitz advocating a "do not track" program for Internet
browsing. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) expressed some skepticism that the
proposals being considered would not hamper legitimate commercial
advertising.
NCISS is concerned that legislation intended to respond to the desire of
consumers to protect the privacy of their online browsing may be overbroad
and restrict the collection of personal data more broadly. We have advised
the Committee of this concern and will work with congress and the
administration to protect access to data necessary for the conduct of lawful
investigations.
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Jimmie Mesis 
NCISS Legislative Chairman
NCISS
7501 Sparrows Point Blvd.
Baltimore, Maryland 21219-1927
(800) 445-8408 . Fax: (410)
388-9746
jim@nciss.org
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