FTC Releases Agenda for Final Roundtable on Consumer Privacy

The Federal Trade Commission today released the agenda for its final roundtable on consumer privacy issues scheduled for March 17, 2010, at the FTC Conference Center, 601 New Jersey Ave,. NW Washington DC, 20001. The Roundtable is the last of three public events designed to explore the privacy challenges that are posed by technology and business practices that collect and use consumer data. The agenda, http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/workshops/privacyroundtables/index.shtm includes a panel addressing Internet architecture and privacy issues, panels focusing on health and other sensitive consumer information, and a concluding panel to discuss lessons that have been learned from all three roundtables and possible ways forward.

The Privacy Roundtables are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required. Members of the public and press who wish to participate but who cannot attend can view a live Webcast.

The Commission is also extending the time period for the submission of public comments or original research to allow parties to comment on the discussions that occur at the third roundtable. The Commission will accept public comments through April 14, 2010. Comments should refer to “Privacy Roundtables – Comment, Project No. P095416.” To file electronically, follow the instructions and fill out the form at https://public.commentworks.com/ftc/privacyroundtable1. Paper comments should include the above reference both in the text and on the envelope, and should be mailed or delivered to: Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Office of the Secretary, Room H-135 (Annex P), N.W., Washington, DC 20580. Comments containing confidential material, however, must be filed in paper form, must be clearly labeled “Confidential,” and must comply with Commission Rule 4.9(c). The FTC requests that any paper comments be sent by courier or overnight service, if possible, because postal mail in the Washington area and at the Commission is subject to delay due to heightened security precautions.

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Requests should be submitted via e-mail to cmcglothlin@ftc.gov or by calling Carrie McGlothlin at 202-326-3388. Requests should be made in advance. Please include a detailed description of the accommodation needed, and provide contact information.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.