Tag Archives: Federal Trade Commission

FTC Reaches Settlement with Myspace for Misleading Statements in Privacy Policy

On May 8, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission announced a settlement agreement with the social networking service Myspace LLC (“Myspace”). The FTC alleged that Myspace’s practice of sharing users’ personal information with unaffiliated third-party advertisers conflicted with representations the company made in its privacy policy, and could allow those advertisers to obtain users’ names, publicly available information and information about their online browsing habits.

Continue reading…

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Canadian Privacy Authorities Release Accountability Guidance

On April 17, 2012, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and the Information and Privacy Commissioners of Alberta and British Columbia released guidance on their expectations for accountable privacy programs as required by Canadian law. The guidance, entitled “Getting Accountability Right with a Privacy Management Program,” discusses the building blocks of a comprehensive privacy program for businesses of all sizes. Although intended for a Canadian audience, the paper likely will have worldwide influence given recent privacy law developments around the globe.

Continue reading…

Tags: , , , ,

RockYou Settles FTC Charges Related to Data Breach, COPPA Violations

On March 27, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission announced a proposed settlement order with RockYou, Inc. (“RockYou”), a publisher and developer of applications used on popular social media sites. The FTC alleged that RockYou failed to protect the personal information of 32 million of its users, and violated multiple provisions of the FTC’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) Rule when it collected information from approximately 179,000 children.

Continue reading…

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

FTC Privacy Report Emphasizes Privacy by Design, Individual Control and Transparency

On March 26, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission issued a new privacy report entitled “Protecting Consumer Privacy in an Era of Rapid Change: A Proposed Framework for Businesses and Policymakers.” The report charts a path forward for companies to act in the interest of protecting consumer privacy.

In his introductory remarks, FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz indicated his support for Do Not Track stating, “Simply put, your computer is your property; no one has the right to put anything on it that you don’t want.” In later comments he predicted that if effective Do Not Track mechanisms are not available by the end of this year, the new Congress likely would introduce a legislative solution.

Continue reading…

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2012 IAPP Global Privacy Summit

Join us at the International Association of Privacy Professionals (“IAPP”) Global Privacy Summit in Washington, D.C., March 7-9, 2012. Hunton & Williams privacy professionals will be featured speakers in the following sessions:

  • Mending Fences after a Breach
    Thursday, March 8, 12:15 p.m.
    Speakers include: Lisa J. Sotto, partner and head of the Global Privacy and Data Security practice, Hunton & Williams LLP; Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection, Consumer Federation of America; and Joanne B. McNabb, Chief, California Office of Privacy Protection. Continue reading…
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

White House Announces Its Highly Anticipated Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights

The White House today released its long-awaited report outlining a framework for U.S. data protection and privacy policy. As expected, “Consumer Data Privacy in a Networked World: A Framework for Protecting Privacy and Promoting Global Innovation in the Global Digital Economy” articulates a Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights based on the individual’s right to exercise control over what personal data companies collect from the individual and how companies use the data. The Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights, which reflects principles of fair information practices and applies to personal data, sets forth individual rights for consumers and corresponding obligations of companies in connection with personal data. It also provides for the consumer’s right to:

  • transparent privacy and data security practices;
  • expect that companies will collect, use and disclose data in a manner consistent with the context in which it was collected;
  • have their data handled in a secure manner;
  • access and correct personal data;
  • set reasonable limits on the personal data that companies collect and retain; and
  • have personal data handled by companies with appropriate measures in place to assure they adhere to the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights.

Continue reading…

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

FTC Issues “Warning Call” to Developers of Apps for Kids

In its new report, Mobile Apps for Kids: Current Privacy Disclosures are Disappointing, the Federal Trade Commission issues a “warning call to industry that it must do more to provide parents with easily accessible, basic information about the mobile apps that their children use.” The report indicates:

“Parents should be able to learn what information an app collects, how the information will be used, and with whom the information will be shared. App developers also should alert parents if the app connects with any social media, or allows targeted advertising to occur through the app. Third parties that collect user information through apps also should disclose their privacy practices, whether through a link on the app promotion page, the developers’ disclosures, or another easily accessible method.”

Continue reading…

Tags: , ,

FTC Warns Marketers of Mobile Apps About Potential FCRA Violations

On February 6, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission warned six marketers of background screening mobile applications that they may be violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”). In a sample letter posted on the FTC website, the FTC indicates that at least one of the recipient marketer’s mobile apps involves background screening reports that include criminal history checks. Pursuant to the FCRA, this could make the marketers of the mobile apps “consumer reporting agencies” if they are “providing information to employers regarding current or prospective employees’ criminal histories [that] involves the individuals’ character, general reputation, or personal characteristics.”

Continue reading…

Tags: , ,

Hunton Hosts Webinar on Current Trends in Global Privacy Enforcement

On January 12, 2012, Hunton & Williams hosted an hour-long webinar on the current enforcement environment in the U.S. and EU. The webinar, Current Trends in Global Privacy Enforcement, covered issues ranging from the Federal Trade Commission’s tougher approach to investigations to increased monitoring of corporate privacy practices by European data protection authorities. Hunton & Williams speakers included Lisa J. Sotto, partner and head of the Global Privacy and Data Security practice, London partner Bridget Treacy, London senior attorney Rosemary Jay and Brussels associate Dr. Jörg Hladjk.

Listen to the webinar now.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

EU and U.S. Formulating a Privacy Framework Agreement

As reported in BNA’s Privacy Law Watch, EU Member States are working on an overarching privacy framework agreement with the United States. The framework agreement, which may be used as a starting point for future negotiations, aims to reduce the amount of time and resources required to prepare new agreements between the European Union and the United States.

Continue reading…

Tags: , , , , , ,