FTC Submits Comments to NTIA on Consumer Privacy

Staff of the Federal Trade Commission called for a balanced approach that protects both consumer privacy and innovation in a comment submitted to the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of that agency’s consumer privacy proceeding. FTC staff noted the FTC's extensive experience in protecting consumer privacy and fostering innovation. The FTC is uniquely situated to balance consumers’ interests in privacy, innovation, and competition, according to the comment. In particular, the FTC’s dual mission of protecting competition and consumer protection gives the Commission a deep understanding of the benefits and costs to consumers associated with the use of their data.  

In response to some of the specific topics raised by NTIA, the comment reiterates the FTC’s commitment to data security. The comment also summarizes the importance of companies’ making accurate disclosures about privacy. The comment calls for a balanced approach to choice, where the level of control would depend on consumer preferences, context, and risk. It also notes that the Commission should continue to be the primary enforcer of laws related to information flows in the marketplace, whether under the existing or a new privacy and security framework. The comment adds that the Commission will be examining its current authority related to privacy and data security as part of its series of hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century.