Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, CONSUMER PROTECTION NEWS: FTC Chairwoman Ramirez Urges Action on Mobile Security, (Jun 5, 2013)

By Tobias J. Gillett, J.D., LL.M.

In opening remarks before the FTC’s June 4 Mobile Security Forum in Washington, D.C., Commission Chairwoman Edith Ramirez called on representatives from industry, academia, and consumer organizations to work together to improve mobile security.

Ramirez established the foundation for her remarks by describing the rapid rise in the use of mobile devices by consumers. She also noted the FTC’s previous efforts with respect to desktop computer security, including enforcement actions against spyware, malware, adware, and scareware providers.

Moving on to the mobile device environment, Ramirez asserted that the FTC has three main tools to address mobile security—law enforcement, consumer and business education, and policy work. As an example of FTC law enforcement, Ramirez cited the FTC’s recent settlement with mobile device manufacturer HTC America. The company agreed to settle charges that it violated the FTC Act’s prohibitions on deceptive and unfair commercial practices when it introduced security vulnerabilities into its mobile devices. HTC agreed to establish a comprehensive security program, to submit to biannual security audits, and to release software patches to fix the vulnerabilities. Ramirez also referred to the FTC’s creation of a forensic mobile lab and a Mobile Unit to improve its ability to bring similar cases and to spot mobile issues.

With respect to consumer and business education, Ramirez noted the FTC’s release of an online guide providing security tips and guidance for mobile app developers, as well as its educational materials for consumers, such as those available on the FTC’s OnGuardOnline.gov website.

Finally, Ramirez discussed the FTC’s policy work in the mobile sphere, including roundtables on mobile cramming, mobile payments, and mobile privacy and advertising disclosures. In the present forum, she expected a “rich discussion” among representatives from industry, academia, and consumer organizations regarding mobile security.

“Given the exponential growth of mobile in our daily lives, there is no room for complacency about the need to keep the mobile environment safe and secure,” Ramirez stated. “My hope is that our discussion today will inspire action, encourage innovation, and engage each of us in that common cause.”

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