What We're Reading: Europe
June 2019 A round-up of the most important developments in the EU Data Protection world Enforcement The Italian DPA levied a 2.000.000€ (IT) fine against a telemarketing company and its call-center operations conducted by a de facto “sub-contractor” in Albania for creating contact lists, calling people and sharing their telephone numbers with a third party (their client) […]
As Legislators Debate Ad Tech, Browsers and Operating Systems Announce New Technical Controls
Congress continues to hold data privacy hearings, including yesterday’s Understanding the Digital Advertising Ecosystem and the Impact of Data Privacy and Competition Policy. The continued debate over adtech practices is reaching a crescendo, making the case for quick action on a comprehensive federal privacy law that can set parameters for how personal data is collected, […]
A Conversation with Christopher Wolf, Founder of FPF
Christopher Wolf is the founder and Board President of the Future of Privacy Forum and a leading attorney in privacy and data protection. Chris helped break the path for privacy law and the modern Internet. He has had a hand in advising and shaping thinking on many leading-edge tech issues including Internet free speech, Internet […]
FPF at 10: A Conversation with FPF Fellows
Fellows are a crucial part of the Future of Privacy Forum’s work; they conduct research, organize events, give presentations, and write reports and best practices. As the inaugural Elise Berkower Memorial Fellow, Michelle Bae has focused on publishing the comprehensive guide on GDPR and CCPA, analyzing federal and state privacy bills and their impact, and […]
FamilyTreeDNA Agreement with FBI Creates Privacy Risks
Company’s Deal with Law Enforcement Surprises Consumers and Is Out-of-Step with Industry Norms and Best Practices By John Verdi and Carson Martinez Last week, FamilyTreeDNA announced an agreement with the FBI to allow agents to test DNA samples from crime scenes, develop genetic profiles, and identify familial matches. This agreement marks the first time a […]
A New Year’s Resolution For Your New Devices
A New Year’s Resolution For Your New Devices Still thinking about your New Year’s resolutions? If so, the Future of Privacy Forum has a practical suggestion: Get to know the privacy implications of your new electronics. Early in the New Year, take a few moments to set up privacy features so you can be comfortable […]
New FPF Study Documents More Than 150 European Companies Participating in the EU-US Data Transfer Mechanism
New FPF Study Documents More Than 150 European Companies Participating in the EU-US Data Transfer Mechanism EU Companies’ Participation Grew by One Third Over the Past Year By Jeremy Greenberg Yesterday, the European Commission published its second annual review of the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, finding that “the U.S. continues to ensure an adequate level of […]
Privacy Papers 2018
The winners of the 2018 PPPM Award are: Shattering One-Way Mirrors. Data Subject Access Rights in Practice by Jef Ausloos, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Amsterdam’s Institute for Information Law; and Pierre Dewitte, Researcher, KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law Abstract: The right of access occupies a central role in EU data protection law’s arsenal […]
FPF Perspective: Limit Law Enforcement Access to Genetic Datasets
Today, researchers published a paper detailing how governments can use public genetic databases to identify criminal suspects. These activities raise real questions about when it’s appropriate for law enforcement to analyze genetic information, and how best to protect individuals whose genetic data has been analyzed as part of a commercial service, but who are not accused of a crime.
Taming The Golem: Challenges of Ethical Algorithmic Decision-Making
This article examines the potential for bias and discrimination in automated algorithmic decision-making. As a group of commentators recently asserted, “[t]he accountability mechanisms and legal standards that govern such decision processes have not kept pace with technology.” Yet this article rejects an approach that depicts every algorithmic process as a “black box” that is inevitably plagued by bias and potential injustice.