Two Speeches In Three Days: Protecting Privacy And Consumer Data In The Digital Age Is FTC Priority

Federal Trade Commissioner Julie Brill promoted the FTC's role as the nation's leading consumer protection and privacy agency with respect to Internet, social media, and smartphone technology in two recent speeches occurring over a three-day span.  In both speeches, Brill referenced and reiterated the FTC's concerns regarding data collection, the interface of smartphone technology and privacy, and the need for appropriate consumer disclosures.  From the perspective of the FTC, consumers must understand and make thoughtful decisions about the products they buy and the personal data being shared.  Likewise, retailers, industries involved in the sale of goods and services, and ISPs must be truthful in their marketing and consumer disclosures.