NIST Joins Task Force to Study Nexus Between Innovation and Privacy Policy

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has joined a Commerce-Department-wide Internet Policy Task Force to identify leading issues in the United States affecting the private sector’s ability to realize the potential for economic growth and job creation through the Internet. The tasf force was announced last week by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.

In addition, by a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) published in the Federal Register, the Commerce Department is seeking public comment from all interested parties on the impact of current privacy laws in the United States and around the world on the pace of innovation in the information economy—do current privacy laws adequately serve consumer interests and fundamental democratic values.

The Task Force is comprised of staff members from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the International Trade Administration (ITA), NIST and the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), and will be coordinated through the Commerce Department’s Office of Policy and Strategic Planning, which reports to the Secretary.

For more information, see the Department of Commerce press release, “Commerce Secretary Locke Announces Public Review of Privacy Policy and Innovation in the Internet Economy, Launches Internet Policy Task Force,” at www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_009159. The Federal Register notice can be viewed at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-9450.pdf.