Recently, Congress voted to overturn new FCC rules that regulated the privacy of broadband Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The rules implemented the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C. § 222 to ISPs, requiring opt in for sharing sensitive customer data, opt out for sharing non-sensitive customer data, as well as transparency requirements. Sensitive data includes precise geo-location, children’s […]
This cartoon depicts the potential future of the Internet of Things. As more and more devices are connected to the Internet, including ones implanted in people’s bodies, increasing thought must be given to the privacy and security implications. The speed of technological development is moving at a far greater pace than the speed of policy […]
My cartoon depicts the discrepancy in the security and privacy budgets at many organizations. Of course, the cartoon is an exaggeration. In an IAPP survey of Chief Privacy Officers at Fortune 1000 companies in 2014, privacy budgets were nearly half of what security budgets were. That’s actually better for privacy than many might expect. […]
In response to government surveillance or massive data gathering, many people say that there’s nothing to worry about. “I’ve got nothing to hide,” they declare. “The only people who should worry are those who are doing something immoral or illegal.” The nothing-to-hide argument is ubiquitous. This is why I wrote an essay about it 10 […]
I’m pleased to announce that a new 4th edition of my short guide, PRIVACY LAW FUNDAMENTALS (IAPP 2017) (co-authored with Professor Paul Schwartz) is now out in print. This edition incorporates extensive developments in privacy law and includes an introductory chapter summarizing key new laws, cases and enforcement actions. Privacy Law Fundamentals is designed with […]
I recently updated my book chapter, A Brief History of Information Privacy Law, which appears in the new edition of PLI’s Proskauer on Privacy. This book chapter, originally written in 2006 and updated in 2016, provides a brief history of information privacy law, with a primary focus on United States privacy law. It discusses the development […]
A while ago, I wrote about a case involving a member of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team staff who improperly accessed a database of the Houston Astros. There is now an epilogue to report in the case. The individual who engaged in the illegal access — a scouting director named Chris Correa — […]
Co-authored by Professor Woodrow Hartzog The Federal Trade Commission is the most important federal agency regulating privacy and security. Its actions and guidance play a significant role in setting the privacy agenda for the entire country. With the Trump Administration about to take control, and three of the five Commissioner seats open, including the Chairperson, […]
I am now offering the full text of my book The Future of Reputation: Gossip, Rumor, and Privacy on the Internet (Yale University Press 2007) online for FREE download.
I am now offering the full text of my book The Digital Person: Technology and Privacy in the Information Age (NYU Press 2004) online for FREE download.