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Commerce says a privacy office is needed

The Commerce Department recommended forming the office as part of a framework for ensuring online data privacy.

Federal News Network Staff

December 17, 2010 9:30 am

< a min read

The Internet Policy Task Force says the Commerce Department should have its own privacy office and develop codes of conduct for companies that track people on the Internet. The Task Force, which is part of Commerce, argues that a privacy bill of rights should give Internet users more information about what data companies collect and how they use it. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the codes of conduct. But the privacy group Consumer Watchdog says that the idea of opening a Commerce Department privacy office is a conflict of interest. They believe there might not be enough of a consumer focus. The Commerce Department is seeking public comment on the report by late January.

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