We applaud the U.S. Department of Commerce Internet Policy Task Force on the thoughtful and balanced approach reflected in its just released Privacy Green Paper.
In commenting on the importance of addressing commercial data privacy issues in a forward to the report, General Counsel Cameron Kerry at the same time notes that “we must proceed in a way that fully recognizes the digital economy’s complexity and dynamism.” Right on. Along the same lines, the introduction to the report highlights the “United States’ dual emphasis in commercial data privacy policy: promoting innovation while providing flexible privacy protections that adapt to changes in technology and market conditions.” Exactly. And the report then emphasizes approaches which seem well-designed to meet these twin objectives – revitalizing Fair Information Practice Principles, working with industry to implement voluntary, enforceable codes of conduct and encouraging “global interoperability.” As the IAB points out in it’s initial response to the green paper, though we have a lot of work to pursue in continuing to advance consumer privacy, we view the Internet Policy Task Force’s report as a productive and practical step in the right direction.
- Adam Lehman, Chief Operating Officer, Lotame
