Federal Trade Commission
Federal Trade Commission and National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce Esign Public Workshop April 3, 2001

This workshop is part of the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's ("NTIA") effort to gather information to report to Congress on the benefits and burdens of § 101(c)(1)(C)(ii) of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ("ESIGN") which authorizes the use of an electronic record to send legally required information to consumers if the consumer consents or confirms consent "in a manner that reasonably demonstrates that they can access the information." Congress mandated this report under § 105(b) of ESIGN and required the submission of this study by June 30, 2001.

Through this workshop we hope to advance our understanding of the benefits and burdens to businesses and consumers resulting from the consumer consent provision of § 101(c)(1)(C)(ii). The workshop will consist of moderated round table discussions with representatives from industry, government, consumer advocate groups and other interested parties. We hope to foster discussion about best practices in obtaining electronic consent and to allow workshop participants to demonstrate their best practices, and the technologies that are available for companies to obtain consumer consent.

Technology Exhibits: Workshop attendees may visit the exhibits in Room 532 from noon and until the end of the day.

The forum is open to the public, and there is no formal registration process for those wishing to attend.