FTC Issues Final Report on Protecting Consumer Privacy

Washington, DC — Today, the Center for Democracy & Technology released the following statement on release of the Federal Trade Commission’s Report on consumer privacy.

“Today, the FTC joins the Administration in a growing chorus of support for baseline consumer privacy legislation,” said CDT President Leslie Harris. The White House supported comprehensive legislation last month in its privacy report. “We look forward to working with the FTC toward legislation and further developing the issues presented in the Report,” Harris said.

CDT also lauded the FTC’s guidance on a “Do Not Track” setting that consumers can use to universally opt out of online tracking, as well as the FTC’s focus on companies that can comprehensively track user behavior.

“The FTC has delivered an important reminder that Do Not Track standards must address the collection of behavioral data as well as its use,” said CDT Director of Consumer Privacy Justin Brookman. “Moreover, the FTC rightfully refocuses attention on the heightened privacy concerns presented when ISPs, operating systems, and browsers have broad access to consumers’ online activities.” The FTC announced it would hold a public workshop on the issue in the second half of 2012.