USA – In an open letter, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) expressed concerns about a draft internet consumer privacy bill to US representative Rick Boucher, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Communications Technology and Internet Subcommittee.
The draft legislation would require organisations that collect information about users and their web surfing habits to disclose their privacy policies and obtain individuals’ consent before collecting sensitive information or sharing any data with advertisers and other third parties.
“IAEE does not object to disclosing our privacy measures, nor are we reluctant to explain how and why we gather transactional information from our online engagements with our members and customers,” says IAEE president Steven Hacker. “We are concerned, however, that the costs and administrative obligations that may be imposed by this proposed legislation must be carefully weighed against the practical aspects of how our members must do their day-to-day business. Many of our members are very small associations and organisations.”
In the letter to Boucher, Hacker asked on behalf of IAEE that the American Congress be aware of the impact the internet has by serving as a vehicle for research and revenue for not-for-profit organisations. While the organisation supports disclosure of basic privacy protections, it suggests further defining of the key elements of the proposed legislation in an effort to best serve its members.
