U.S. Chamber Applauds FTC's New Aggressive Privacy Agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Chamber of Commerce today praised the Federal Trade Commission's new privacy agenda, particularly the agency's plans to ensure protection of consumer privacy in the marketplace through enforcement of current law rather than relying on new legislation.

"When it comes to privacy, sound public policy also makes good business sense," said Joe Rubin, Chamber director of congressional affairs. "Consumer confidence rides on a sense of security and trust, and particularly in light of recent events, that confidence is imperative to our economic stability."

The agenda, announced at a press conference by FTC Chairman Tim Muris, outlined the agency's focus on telemarketing, spam email, identification theft and enforcement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Telemarketing Sales Bill in addressing the privacy needs of consumers.

The Chamber has been active on Capitol Hill in working closely with lawmakers, staff and others in constructing a framework for the privacy debate and has hosted various events and forums on eCommerce and Internet technology for business leaders. The Chamber also was a founding member of the Privacy Leadership Initiative - a collection of CEOs from American companies and associations designed to create a climate of trust to accelerate acceptance of the new digital marketplace.

"The business community has long been a leader in promoting consumer empowerment and education initiatives, responsible business practices and other activities to solidify an environment of trust and protection for consumer privacy," said Rubin.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region.

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