'Privacy for America' Advocacy Group Launches

In the US, a group of policy experts and trade organizations have launched the 'Privacy for America' coalition, which will work with Congress to help shape federal consumer data privacy and security legislation.

The coalition's steering committee includes leaders from the 4A's (American Association of Advertising Agencies), ANA (Association of National Advertisers), IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau), and NAI (Network Advertising Initiative). In addition, the group is led by public policy experts in data privacy, cybersecurity and consumer protection, including Jessica Rich, former director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, who is advising the coalition and bringing consumer protection and law enforcement perspective to this effort.

Privacy for America plans to advocate for a law that would make personal data less vulnerable to breach or misuse; and this will include prohibiting a variety of specific data practices, such as using a person's data to deny them a job, credit or healthcare unless specifically permitted under existing federal or state laws. The group will also lobby Congress to outlaw the use of personal characteristics - like race or color - to discriminate against a person when setting prices or determining eligibility for products or services.

In addition, the coalition aims to create a new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Data Protection Bureau to enhance the FTC's existing oversight of privacy matters, while having the power to authorize penalties for companies that engage in prohibited privacy practices. The coalition says it also wants this bureau to be able to impose restrictions on data use for advertising - including banning certain types of data for being collected or used for advertising, limiting the purposes for which advertising data may be used, and allowing consumers to identify their preferences regarding what advertising they do, or do not, wish to receive.

Leigh Freund (pictured), President and CEO of NAI, comments: 'Consumers currently don't trust that all companies are using their data responsibly, and they do not want to be subjected to lengthy and complex notices that explain such use in terms they don't understand. Consumers should instead be able to count on strong data privacy and security protections without having to scrutinize data practices to avoid harmful outcomes. The Privacy for America coalition's approach will ensure responsible data practices and accountability.'

Web site: www.privacyforamerica.com .