Organizations are increasingly developing or deploying “immersive technologies,” a collection of hardware and software products that substitute, enhance, or alter users’ individual, physical-world experiences. These emerging technologies—which include tools like extended reality (XR), virtual worlds, and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)—have the potential to transform healthcare, education, entertainment, advertising, and other sectors. However, because they often rely on large amounts and kinds of personal, potentially sensitive data, they also raise important privacy and data protection questions. Without safeguards, data about people’s bodies, behaviors, and surrounding environments could be inferred and used to manipulate, discriminate against, or otherwise harm both users and bystanders. FPF works with experts from industry, academia, and civil society to identify the unique privacy and data protection risks in this nascent field, analyze how existing and emerging regulations implicate immersive technologies, and develop best practices and policy recommendations.
FPF Submits Comments to the California Privacy Protection Agency on Proposed Rulemaking
On February 19, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) submitted comments to the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) concerning draft regulations governing cybersecurity audits, risk assessments, automated decisionmaking technology (ADMT) access and opt-out rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act. FPF’s comments identified opportunities to bring additional clarity to key elements of the proposed regulations […]
FPF’s Year in Review 2024
With contributions from Judy Wang, Communications Intern 2024 was a landmark year for the Future of Privacy Forum, as we continued to grow our privacy leadership through research and analysis, domestic and global meetings, expert testimony, and more – all while commemorating our 15th anniversary. Expanding our AI Footprint While 2023 was the year of […]
AI Forward: FPF’s Annual DC Privacy Forum Explores Intersection of Privacy and AI
The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) hosted its inaugural DC Privacy Forum: AI Forward on Wednesday, June 5th. Industry experts, policymakers, civil society, and academics explored the intersection of data, privacy, and AI. In Washington, DC’s southwest Waterfront at the InterContinental, participants joined in person for a full-day program consisting of keynote panels, AI talks, […]
Manipulative and Deceptive Design: New Challenges in Immersive Environments
With help from Selin Fidan, Beth Do, Daniel Berrick, and Angela Guo Immersive technologies like spatial computing, gaming, and extended reality (XR) offer exciting ways to experience and engage with the world. However, interfaces for immersive technologies that further blur the lines between the physical and the virtual may also open the door to new, […]
FPF Celebrates 15 Years! Spring Social Marks Board Transition as Data Protection Leaders Toast to FPF’s Success
Leaders in Data Protection Take Center Stage at FPF’s Spring Social The week started with FPF’s 15th Anniversary Spring Social, where FPF CEO Jules Polonetsky thanked FPF’s Board Chair and Founder Chris Wolf, who served for 15 years, and welcomed FPF’s new Board Chair, Alan Raul. Three leading data protection regulators lauded FPF’s effectiveness in […]
Understanding Body-Related Data Practices and Ensuring Legal Compliance in Immersive Technologies
Organizations are increasingly incorporating immersive technologies like extended reality (XR) and virtual worlds into their products and services, blurring the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds. Immersive technologies hold the potential to transform the way people learn, work, play, travel, and take care of their health, but may create new privacy risks as well. […]
FPF in 2023: A Year in Review
As 2023 comes to an end, we want to reflect on a year that saw the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) continue to expand its presence globally and domestically while organizing engaging events, publishing thought-provoking analysis, providing the latest expert updates, and more. FPF continues to convene industry experts, academics, consumer advocates, and other experts […]
Risk Framework for Body-Related Data in Immersive Technologies
Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) released its Risk Framework for Body-Related Data in Immersive Technologies for organizations to structure the collection, use, and onward transfer of body-related data. Organizations building immersive technologies like extended reality and virtual worlds often rely on large amounts of data about individuals’ bodies and behaviors. While body-related data […]
ICYMI: FPF Webinar Discussed The Current State of Kids’ and Teens’ Privacy
Privacy by design for kids and teens has expanded across the globe. As policymakers, advocates, and companies grapple with the ever-changing landscape of youth privacy regulation, the Future of Privacy Forum recently hosted a webinar discussing the current state of kids’ and teens’ privacy policy. The webinar explored the current frameworks that are influential worldwide, […]
Old Laws & New Tech: As Courts Wrestle with Tough Questions under US Biometric Laws, Immersive Tech Raises New Challenges
Extended reality (XR) technologies often rely on users’ body-based data, particularly information about their eyes, hands, and body position, to create realistic, interactive experiences. However, data derived from individuals’ bodies can pose serious privacy and data protection risks for people. It can also create substantial liability risks for organizations, given the growing volume of lawsuits […]