Tech Policy | Testimony & Comments

Privacy and Security Implications of the Internet of Things

Adam Thierer | May 31, 2013
While it is unclear what may come from this proceeding, the danger exists that it represents the beginning of a regulatory regime for a new set of information technologies that are still in their infancy. Fearing hypothetical worst-case scenarios about the misuse of some IoT technologies, some policy activists and policymakers could seek to curb or control their development.

A Status Update on the Development of Voluntary Do-Not-Track Standards

Testimony before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
Adam Thierer | Apr 24, 2013
Even if Do Not Track takes root and some consumers turn it on, many will be incentivized by ad networks or publishers to opt right back in to “tracking” to retain access to sites and services they desire. In doing so, they may end up sharing even more information than they do today. Moreover, this may drive still greater consolidation since larger players will be in a position to grant Internet-wide opt-in exceptions, while smaller providers cannot…

Federal Aviation Administration: Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site Program

Jerry Brito, Eli Dourado, Adam Thierer | Apr 23, 2013
In analyzing the proposed policies being developed to carry out Congress’s mandate, it is important to remember that the purpose of the mandate is to open America’s skies to commercial UAS use in order to reap the social benefits that such use will bring.

Public Interest Comment on the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule

Adam Thierer | Dec 22, 2011
In this public interest comment to the Federal Trade Commission, Adam Thierer addresses how the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) affects online content and digital innovation.