FTC Director of Consumer Protection To Keynote San Francisco Conference on Privacy Thursday

1/23/2002

From: Dawn Collier of PRI, 415-955-6136; e-mail: dcollier@pacificresearch.org

News Advisory:

WHO: -- Howard Beales, director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC -- Sonia Arrison, director, Center for Technology Studies, Pacific Research Institute (PRI) -- Jeffrey Eisenach, president, Progress and Freedom Foundation -- Peter Johnson, Columbia University -- Michael Turner, Information Services Executive Council

WHAT: "Regulating Commercial Information: The Consequences for California"

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 24 11:45 a.m. Advance Press Availability: Beales, Arrison, and Johnson 12 p.m. Luncheon Address: Howard Beales, director, FTC 2:15 p.m. Panel Discussion 3 p.m. Wrap Up

WHERE: Carnelian Room 555 California Street, San Francisco, Calif.

WHY: Proposed state legislation that would impose "opt-in" and other regulatory requirements on the use of consumer information has become one of the hottest issues in Sacramento. The proposals could have dramatic implications for consumers and businesses in California and nationwide. Director Beales will present the federal government's view of regulating commercial information, followed by a panel of experts that will discuss the economic and legal perspectives of new regulation. Panelists include:

-- Jim Harper, adjunct fellow, Progress and Freedom Foundation -- Sonia Arrison, Pacific Research Institute -- Dan Klein, Santa Clara University

Beales will join several of the panelists for a presentation to California lawmakers on Friday in Sacramento.

RSVP required. Contact Dawn Collier at 415-955-6136.

The Pacific Research Institute is a San Francisco-based public policy think tank. The Progress and Freedom Foundation studies the impact of the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. Both are 501 (c) (3) non-profit organizations.