Data privacy high on next year's policy agenda

From FierceCIO:

Much has been made of the many uncertainties facing businesses and their IT executives in the year ahead, but one area in which there is sure to be movement is data privacy policy. Leaked, stolen and lost data is costing companies their reputations and money, and it is costing consumers their Fourth Amendment rights. The status quo is acceptable to no one aside from some online advertisers.

The Obama Administration last week issued a report (.pdf) calling for a new Privacy Policy Office within the Department of Commerce, which would be dedicated to strengthening privacy policies and coordinating with other countries. The report, authored by the Internet Policy Task Force at the Commerce Department, sets forth 10 areas of recommended policy changes for businesses, lawmakers and regulators to consider.