Partner Jerry Ferguson, Coordinator for the New York office’s Intellectual Property, Technology and Media Group and National Co-Leader of the firm’s Privacy, Security and Social Media Team commented on the possible confirmation of Federal Trade Commission nominee Maureen Ohlhausen and her support of better disclosure about privacy practices in Law 360 (“FTC Nominee Expected To Oppose Broad Privacy Rules”) on September 2, 2011.
According to the article, if Ohlhausen is confirmed, she would likely call for greater transparency about privacy practices but fight comprehensive restrictions on the collection and use of consumer information, according to privacy experts.
In fact, Ohlhausen is likely to support better disclosure about privacy practices to prevent consumers from signing off on lengthy privacy terms without awareness.
"I would certainly expect with Maureen Ohlhausen as commissioner, that that would still very much be the emphasis: clearer, better disclosure," said Ferguson. "Although these practices are disclosed in fine print of privacy policies, consumers may not be aware of what's going on."