Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, AGENCY NEWS: FTC, international partners launch information-sharing system, (Oct 26, 2015)

By Greg Hammond, J.D.

The FTC and a number of international agencies from the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) launched a new information-sharing system today, allowing the agencies to better coordinate international efforts in protecting consumer privacy. The system, called “GPEN Alert,” is based on the Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network, which allows member U.S. law enforcement agencies to access complaints that consumers provide to the Commission and other data contributors.

The memorandum of understanding between the FTC and privacy, data protection, and information authorities from Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom, memorializes the authorities’ intent for GPEN Alert to be used to (1) alert other members about investigations and law enforcement matters concerning data protection or privacy; and (2) find out whether other members are investigating or taking enforcement actions against the same company, person, or practices. The information contributed to GPEN Alert is to be kept confidential, according to the memorandum. In addition, a Joint Oversight Panel will be established to perform operational duties of running GPEN Alert. The FTC reserved the right to suspend or limit access to system where necessary to protect its security and operational integrity.

“Today, data is increasingly crossing borders, and our privacy investigations and enforcement must do the same,” stated FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. “GPEN Alert is an important, practical cooperation tool that will help GPEN authorities protect consumer privacy across the globe.”

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