The Center for Democracy and Technology has a number of position papers on electronic privacy matters:

FCC Enters Copyright Debate - On August 8, the Federal Communications Commission formally began considering whether to adopt a "broadcast flag" standard designed to limit consumers' ability to make copies of digital-broadcast television programs. The Commission is seeking public comments by October 30. The "broadcast flag" is a way of marking digital-television content so that consumer electronics and computers will recognize the marks and limit the making of copies. CDT and other public interest groups have urged the FCC to consider the consumer implications of such a standard, including its impact on reasonable copying for personal use and the continuing usefulness of their electronic and computer equipment. In a July report, CDT, Consumers Union, and Public Knowledge outlined consumer questions posed by the broadcast flag proposal.

FCC Issues New Rule on Customer Data - Taking a dual opt-in/opt-out approach, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on July 16 adopted rules limiting phone company use and sale of information about customer calling habits. The FCC action responded to a 1999 federal appeals court decision vacating the FCC's opt-in rule for so-called "customer proprietary network information" (CPNI), data about local and long distance calling patterns useful for customer profiling. Under the new rule, carriers can use or disclose CPNI to affiliates, third-party agents and joint venture partners providing communications-related services if they provide customers with adequate notice and the opportunity to opt-out. However, carriers can disclose CPNI to unrelated third parties or to others for purposes not related to the providing of communications services only with prior opt-in approval.

On September 12, Jim Dempsey will speak on the topic "International Cyberspace: Convergence or Conflict?," 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m, at a luncheon panel discussion at the American Society of International Law, Washington, DC 20008

On September 12, Ari Schwartz will be speaking at American Society of Access Professionals, Washington, DC, on "Privacy is More than an Act"

On September 23 and 24, Ari Schwartz will be speaking at the Privacy2002 Conference in Cleveland, OH