WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today hosted the Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law’s first roundtable discussion focusing on privacy and consumer data protection. The discussion featured panelists from a variety of companies, institutions, and coalitions who each offered a unique perspective on addressing consumer privacy concerns. The panelists discussed potential approaches to privacy regulations in the United States by examining existing federal, state, and foreign laws that impact American businesses.

“Congress has an important role to play in maintaining the proper balance between technological innovation and consumer protection,” said Flake. “But this is a complex topic, and the one-size-fits-all approach that they have in Europe simply will not do here in the United States. Through these roundtables, the message that Senator Coons and I want to send to businesses of all shapes and sizes is this: come talk; Congress is ready to listen.”  

“Finding solutions that better protect and secure personal information is a goal that industry, academia, and Congress all agree on,” said Coons. “I’m happy to be working with Senator Flake on this issue, and today’s discussion helped inform Congress and the public. I’m hopeful that events like this one help us shape policies that better address and protect the privacy of consumers while also fostering innovation.”

Round table panelists included:

Jason Albert, Deputy General Counsel, Workday

Ed Britan, Senior Attorney, Privacy and Regulatory Affairs, Microsoft

Alfredo Della Monica, Vice President and Senior Counsel, American Express

Michelle De Mooy, Director, Privacy and Data Project, Center for Democracy and Technology

Dennis Hirsch, Professor Law, Ohio State University

David HoffmanAssociate General Counsel and Global Privacy Officer, Intel

Kevin Koehler, Trust & Safety Team, Automattic

Howard WaltzmanAttorney & Lobbyist, 21st Century Privacy Coalition

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