The Federal Communications Commission is expanding its partnership with state officials on matters of privacy, data protection and cybersecurity enforcement.
The agency on Monday said its Privacy and Data Protection Task Force has signed memoranda of understanding with attorneys general from Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Delaware and Indiana to share information, investigate and, if needed, prosecute individuals or organizations that violate the right of consumers to privacy and data protection.
They join the attorney generals of Connecticut, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia who also signed MoUs to cooperate with the task force on matters of consumer data protection and privacy.
Championing Consumer Protection
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel established the Privacy and Data Protection Task Force in 2023 to coordinate public awareness activities and contribute to the rulemaking process. The task force was involved in crafting some of the commission’s major policies such as the update on the 16-year-old data breach notification rules and the voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for connected smart devices.
According to Rosenworcel, partnerships are integral in combatting threats to consumer privacy.
“Consumers expect their data will remain private and that any exposure of their personal information will be addressed with urgency and accountability,” she stated. “Success on this front requires strong partnerships between federal enforcement officials and state leaders.”
Loyaan A. Egal, chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, added that the task force relies on partnerships with state leaders to carry out its mission. The Enforcement Bureau work with state investigators to examine complaints, review records, interview witnesses and targets, and take other critical steps to mitigate attacks.
“Our Privacy and Data Protection Task Force continues to investigate data breaches, work with companies to improve their privacy, sensitive data, and cybersecurity protections, and pursue regulatory efforts to further protect consumers who increasingly rely on FCC-regulated services in their everyday lives,“ Egal said.