Proposed Framework for a Policy Protecting Customer Information Privacy in Michigan
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) recently requested information and comments related to its proposed framework for a policy protecting customer information privacy. The Commission’s current rules, 1999 AC, R 460.101 et seq., Consumer Standards and Billing Practices for Residential Customers provide some limited protection of customer privacy with respect to billing information. The new […]
July 23, 2012 – 5% of Free Apps Use Ads That Can Take Over Your Phone and Pilfer Your Contact Info: Study Read, Mobile & Apps
It appears the saying “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”, which warns us that things which appear to be free usually come with strings attached, can now be applied to free apps as well; in 5% of those apps at least, and the number is rising according to a recent study by Lookout, […]
Special Guest Post by Robert Ellis Smith
We loved this article by Robert Ellis Smith, noted privacy expert and publisher, Privacy Journal, and republish it here with his permission. Privacy Journal offers our readers a beginning rate of $65 for the next year, a 50 percent discount. The newsletter is available in hard copy by U.S. mail or pdf by email. Please place […]
Future of Privacy Summary of California Public Utilities Commission Proposed Decision on Smart Grid Privacy and Security
Future of Privacy Summary of California Public Utilities Commission Proposed Decision on Smart Grid Privacy and Security May 9, 2011 On May 6th, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a proposed decision by CPUC President Peevey addressing smart grid privacy and security. The CPUC proposed decision presents the most significant step yet in […]
The Future of Privacy Legislation: A Conversation with Congressmen Rick Boucher and Cliff Stearns
On Wednesday, Representatives Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, spoke exclusively with the Future of Privacy Forum and a select group of privacy advocates, academics, and members of the business community about the discussion draft of privacy legislation the Congressmen […]
Power vs. Privacy: Smart Grid Could Turn Appliances Into Spies, Experts Say
Power vs. Privacy: Smart Grid Could Turn Appliances Into Spies, Experts Say CBC News Canada By Paul Gallant February 18, 2010 Do you want your fridge talking about you behind your back? With the rapid adoption of a North American “smart grid” aimed at helping consumers conserve electricity, it’s also possible that smart appliances will […]
Online Behavioral Advertising "Icon" Study
Executive Summary: In May 2009, the Future of Privacy Forum launched a research initiative to examine new methods for communicating with users about online advertising and privacy. This study assessed the communication efficacy of behavioral advertising disclosures based on icons and short disclosures placed near webpage advertisements as an alternative to providing transparency and choice […]
Does Microsoft + Yahoo = A Privacy Arms Race Among Web Giants?
Does Microsoft + Yahoo = A Privacy Arms Race Among Web Giants? New York Times By Riva Richmond July 31, 2009 When Internet giants team up, civil-liberties advocates tend to worry that their consolidated power will end up hurting the privacy of average users. An agreement between Microsoft and Yahoo to work together on Web […]
If You're Going to Track Me, Please Use Cookies | Freedom to Tinker
If You’re Going to Track Me, Please Use Cookies | Freedom to Tinker. Professor Ed Felten says that if you are going to track him, please use cookies, because at least he can control them. I would add to his set of reasons the fact that cookies are unstable, imperfect and thus a less intrusive […]
Obama Adds Senior Security/Privacy Role to White House Staff
It is very heartening to see the important new office of the Cyber Security Coordinator include a dedicated privacy official.