Lina Khan, the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)< says the agency has to reassess the rules regarding the type of data companies are collecting. She also called for the agency to examine just how securely the data is being handled.
FTC Chair Calls for Reassessment of Data Collection Procedures and Security
Khan spoke at an International Association of Privacy Protections' event and said that the notice and consent framework being used by certain companies were "outdated and inefficient." According to the FTC Chair, a major paradigm shift has to happen where the FTC, federal regulators, and Congress do something regarding the data collection issue.
The issue described was regarding consumers having to give up their personal data for them to be able to access essential online tools used in their everyday lives. Khan also asked whether data collection should be allowed indiscriminately saying some consumers don't even know when their data is being collected.
Khan Known for Antitrust Reform and Advocacy Work Regarding Big Tech Companies
According to the story by CNET, Khan noted that they believe that the data privacy and security protection should be approached with consideration of substantive limits instead of the regular procedural protections. The procedural precautions were described as usually resulting in process requirements instead of putting more emphasis on the fundamental questions regarding what type of data should be collected and if data collection should be permitted at all.
Khan is known for her antitrust reform and advocacy work regarding Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Google and other Big Tech companies. To add, the Chair has received a lot of pressure from privacy experts regarding federal rules detailing what data companies can collect and how the data should be protected.
FTC Chair Acknowledges Importance of Rules
Khan has acknowledged the importance of those rules detailing the commercial surveillance economy that revolves around consumer data. The article by CNET describes it as monetizing consumers' personal data and creating a business model that promotes endless tracking and vacuuming of user data.
Other important notes from Khan involved the FTC needing to "take a multidisciplinary approach to enforcement" when it comes to antitrust and privacy. It was also explained that large companies can utilize their market dominance to leave consumers with no choice but to give their personal data despite not wanting to.
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Votes Needed to Forwward Khan'sa Rule-Making Proceedings
Khan announced that new rules are being considered but no official rule-making proceedings have started yet due to lack of votes. Should the votes reel in her favor, new rules can be implemented allowing her agendas to push forward.
Should her plans move forward, the Chair would most likely start by laying down rules regarding which personal information can be collected along with reevaluating how the information is stored and protected.
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Written by Urian B.
