Across the United States, evolving data collection and processing practices are driving digital services and socially beneficial research, but also pose increasing risks to individuals and communities that America’s existing sectoral privacy frameworks are insufficient to govern. In response, leaders in law and policy are considering more comprehensive approaches to privacy regulation, which establish baseline rights and protections for personal data throughout the economy. Years of negotiations in Congress culminated in the introduction of the bipartisan American Data Privacy and Protection Act in 2022; however, its fate remains uncertain. In the absence of federal legislation, five U.S. states—California, Virginia, Colorado, Utah, and Connecticut— enacted comprehensive consumer privacy laws between 2018-2022.
The Future of Privacy Forum provides expert, independent analysis of legislative and regulatory approaches to protecting data privacy interests. FPF does not typically support or oppose particular bills, but instead focuses on analyzing proposals in relation to existing privacy frameworks, sharing information on current data practices and technologies, and ensuring that data governance strategies are future-looking and adaptable.
FPF also engages with the broader privacy community through reports, blog posts, webinars, and educational programs such as the CPRA Law + Tech Series. It is our view that robust and durable policy outcomes can be achieved when all stakeholders are equipped to understand the key technologies, business practices, and legal mechanisms available to regulate privacy and data protection. FPF’s legislation work is led by Keir Lamont, Director.
FPF Submits Comments to Inform New York Children’s Privacy Rulemaking Processes
At the end of the 2024 legislative session, New York State passed a pair of bills aimed at creating heightened protections for children and teens online. One, the New York Child Data Protection Act (NYCDPA), applies to a broad range of online services that are “primarily directed to children.” The NYCDPA creates novel substantive data […]
FPF Unveils Report on Emerging Trends in U.S. State AI Regulation
Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) launched a new report—U.S. State AI Legislation: A Look at How U.S. State Policymakers Are Approaching Artificial Intelligence Regulation— analyzing recent proposed and enacted legislation in U.S. states. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in daily life and critical sectors like healthcare and employment, state lawmakers have […]
Call for Nominations: 15th Annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers Award
Future of Privacy Forum Award Elevates Privacy Research to Inform Policy Discussion September 9, 2024 —The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) invites scholars and authors with an interest in privacy issues to submit finished papers to be considered for its 15th annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers (PPPM) Awards. The award provides privacy and data protection […]
FPF Highlights Intersection of AI, Privacy, and Civil Rights in Response to California’s Proposed Employment Regulations
On July 18, the Future of Privacy Forum submitted comments to the California Civil Rights Council (Council) in response to their proposed modifications to the state Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) regarding automated-decision systems (ADS). As one of the first state agencies in the U.S. to advance modernized employment regulations to account for automated-decision […]
FPF Responds to the Federal Election Commission Decision on the use of AI in Political Campaign Advertising
The Federal Election Commission’s (FEC) abandoned rulemaking presented an opportunity to better protect the integrity of elections and campaigns, as well as to preserve and increase public trust in the growing use of AI by candidates and in campaigns. When generative AI is used carefully and responsibly, it can reach different segments of the population […]
Contextualizing the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act: A Deep Dive into the Federal Kids Bill
Co-authored by Nick Alereza, FPF Policy Intern and student Boston University School of Law. With contributions from Jordan Francis. On July 30, 2024, the U.S. Senate passed the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA) by a vote of 91-3. KOSPA is a legislative package that includes two bills that gained significant traction in the […]
Connecting Experts to Make Privacy-Enhancing Tech and AI Work for Everyone
The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) launched its Research Coordination Network (RCN) for Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing and Analytics on Tuesday, July 9th. The RCN supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitments to privacy, equity, and safety articulated in the administration’s Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Industry experts, policymakers, civil society, and academics met to discuss the […]
Reflections on California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code in Advance of Oral Arguments
Co-authored with Isaiah Hinton, Policy Intern for the Youth and Education Team Update: On Wednesday, July 17th, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments for an appeal of the District Court’s preliminary injunction of the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (AADC). Judges Milan Smith Jr., Mark Bennett, and Anthony Johnstone appeared interested […]
A First for AI: A Close Look at The Colorado AI Act
Colorado made history on May 17, 2024 when Governor Polis signed into law the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act (“CAIA”), the first law in the United States to comprehensively regulate the development and deployment of high-risk artificial intelligence (“AI”) systems. The law will come into effect on February 1, 2026, preceding the March, 2026 effective date […]
FPF Launches Effort to Advance Privacy-Enhancing Technologies in Support of AI Executive Order, Convenes Experts, and Meets With White House
FPF’s Research Coordination Network will support developing and deploying Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) for socially beneficial data sharing and analytics. JULY 9, 2024 — Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) is launching the Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) Research Coordination Network (RCN) with a virtual convening of diverse experts alongside a high-level, in-person workshop with key stakeholders […]