Hello Readers,

Here at WTIA we focus on state legislative and policy issues but do, from time to time, work on issues that the U.S. Congress is considering.  One major public policy issue that both the federal government and state governments are looking closely at is online privacy.

The primary federal agency that regulates privacy issues is the Federal Trade Commission, www.ftc.gov and in Washington state it is the Attorney General, www.atg.wa.gov. 

A good source for privacy issues is Susan Lyon, a local attorney.  Check her out at http://twitter.com/SusanLyon.  Another good local attorney on privacy issues is Charlene Brownlee at Davis Wright Tremaine.  Susan's recent tweets include links to the FTC and discussions in Congress around behavioral advertising.  As with anything consumer related online there is a constant tug and pull between marketing and consumer privacy.  Anyone who is using the internet to market goods and services or wants to reach relevant audiences should keep an eye on Congress and the FTC.

At the state level, the consumer protection division of the Attorney General's office handles many of the same things as the FTC and work together periodically.  http://www.atg.wa.gov/SafeguardingConsumers.aspx

One example is a bill that did not pass in the recent legislative session, SB 5210.  Attached is a recent draft version that is being discussed among stakeholders and legislators for consideration next session.  The bill deals with prize and promotions offered over the internet.  I strongly suggest that you read the attached bill draft.  Please contact me at lmcmurran@washingtontechnology.org if you have questions or concerns so that we can represent those concerns to legislators.