A recent blog published in the Yale Journal of Law & Technology highlights rising concerns that use of anonymized “big data” can cause just as many societal problems as use of non-anonymized consumer data. According to the blog, a consumer’s name, address and social security number can become irrelevant when organizations can otherwise draw “highly sensitive conclusions” about individuals.  Instead of a consumer’s name, companies would rather know the person’s age, gender, income and interests—“anonymous”…

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) recently issued an assessment tool meant to assist financial institutions in the detection of cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the prevention of cyber attacks. The FFIEC is an interagency body that develops the principles and standards used by agencies and organizations empowered to examine financial institutions, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Earlier this year,…

Last week Google unveiled a redesigned “My Account” page that consolidates all of a customer’s privacy and security options in one location. The redesigned account page does not offer any additional privacy or security options over those previously offered. Instead, it consolidates all of Google’s privacy and security settings, thus making it easier for a customer to understand and configure those settings. “Privacy and security are two sides of the same coin: if your information…

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced formation of its Office of Technology Research and Investigation (OTRI), an office meant to “ensure that consumers enjoy the benefits of technological progress without being placed at risk of deceptive and unfair practices.” The office is meant to expand the scope of work previously conducted by the FTC’S Mobile Technology Unit. The now-defunct Mobile Technology Unit promoted consumer protection in the mobile environment. In its tenure, the unit…