Ensuring an Open Internet in a Post-Snowden World

[Commentary] The revelation of NSA surveillance practices sparked a national debate about privacy and security. In a world where much of our communication relies on data gathering mobile technologies, should all of our digital information still be available for private sector collection and government monitoring?

How can we reform digital security and privacy policy to preserve liberty as an American value? Privacy and security are necessary factors in maintaining consumer confidence.

However, the disclosure of NSA monitoring activities eroded global trust in American commitment to protecting privacy and in American companies.

As part of the Obama Administration, I worked on developing the February 2012 White House Blueprint on Consumer Privacy. The Blueprint articulates seven principles for protecting consumer rights in a global digital age: individual control, transparency, respect for the context in which information is provided, security, focused collection, access and accuracy, and accountability. The Blueprint not only strengthens the trust between consumers and businesses on the web, but also symbolizes the American commitment to data privacy in the future.

[Kerry served as General Counsel and Acting Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce]