Tech Brew Ride Home The State of Consumer Data and Privacy With Consumer Reports' Justin Brookman
Mar 16, 2019
Justin Brookman, Director of Consumer Privacy and Technology Policy at Consumer Reports and former FTC employee, dives deep into the murky waters of consumer data privacy in the U.S. He reveals the alarming lack of nationwide regulations, with states stepping in to fill the gap. The conversation touches on the FTC's impending actions against Facebook and discusses the potential for a federal privacy overhaul. Brookman also highlights the privacy challenges posed by smart home devices and the hidden costs of software updates that consumers face. A vital discussion for tech-savvy listeners!
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Lack of US Federal Privacy Laws
- The US lacks comprehensive federal privacy laws, relying on a general consumer protection statute.
- This statute primarily addresses deception, not affirmative data limitations, leaving companies with broad leeway.
Limitations of Current US Privacy Enforcement
- Current US privacy enforcement relies on patching together existing laws not designed for modern data issues.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) faces limitations due to reduced authority and resources.
No Legal Framework for Personal Data Ownership
- There's no legal framework in the US governing personal data ownership or control.
- Companies can collect and share data like location with minimal consequences.