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FTC Begins Digital Privacy Rulemaking Process Taking on Big Tech

WASHINGTON

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today is expected to issue an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, beginning the process that will culminate in new rules protecting consumer privacy in the U.S. Emily Peterson-Cassin, digital rights advocate for Public Citizen, released the following statement:

"With this first step towards a privacy rule, the FTC could help create an online environment that is free from unwanted surveillance and data harvesting. Online activities are a huge part of all our lives, yet our digital privacy rights and autonomy have never been adequately protected.

"There is a long road ahead, and Big Tech will try to bend the rules in their favor. Restrictions on the collection and monetization of online data strike at the heart of their exploitative business model, so the tech giants are right to be worried that accountability finally may be coming. The FTC should move this rule along as quickly as the process allows."

Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest in the halls of power. We defend democracy, resist corporate power and work to ensure that government works for the people - not for big corporations. Founded in 1971, we now have 500,000 members and supporters throughout the country.

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