The Federal Trade Commission recently released an initial program for the agency’s latest data privacy workshop, “Big Data: A Tool for Inclusion or Exclusion?” The workshop will consist of four panel discussions and is scheduled to take place at 8 a.m. on September 15, 2014 at the Constitution Center, located at 400 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024.
Each panel in this workshop will focus on the various issues and opportunities that arise from the relationship between big data and consumers. Panel topics will include:
- “Assessing the Current Environment” – a review of the various ways in which big data is currently used, as well as its present effects on consumers.
- “What’s on the Horizon with Big Data?” – a discussion of some potential uses for big data, as well as positive and negative impacts they may have on different consumer populations.
- “Surveying the Legal Landscape” – an examination of anti-discrimination and consumer protection laws, their application to big data, and potential gaps in the current regulatory regime.
- “Mapping the Path Forward” – a look at best practices for big data from a consumer protection perspective.
More information about this FTC workshop is slated to be released in coming weeks, including a full agenda and the names of the panelists. The Alston & Bird Privacy & Data Security Blog will continue to provide coverage as new information becomes available.
For more information on big data, see the Alston & Bird Privacy & Data Security Blog’s summary of the White House’s latest report, “Big Data: Seizing Opportunities, Preserving Values.”
Written by: Matthias “Ty” Barringer, Associate, Technology and Privacy Group | Alston & Bird LLP