Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, CONSUMER PROTECTION NEWS: FTC creates Office of Technology Research and Investigation, (Mar 23, 2015)
Organizations Mentioned:Bureau of Consumer Protection
By Greg Hammond, J.D.
The FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection has formed the Office of Technology Research and Investigation (OTRI), designed to expand the Commission’s technology expertise in today’s age of rapid technology innovation. The OTRI succeeds the Bureau’s Mobile Technology Unit.
“Today, I am pleased to announce the Bureau of Consumer Protection’s newest initiative to help ensure that consumers enjoy the benefits of technological progress without being placed at risk of deceptive and unfair practices—the formation of BCP’s Office of Technology Research and Investigation,” stated FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director, Jessica Rich in a blog post. “The OTRI will continue the great work performed by the Mobile Technology Unit, but will take on an even broader mandate and be staffed with additional technologists.”
The OTRI will provide the FTC with expert research, investigative techniques, and insights on technology issues concerning all areas of the Commission’s consumer protection mission, including algorithmic transparency, big data, connected cars, data security, emerging payment methods, privacy, smart homes, and the Internet of Things.
Chief Technologist Ashkan Soltani announced that a number of new positions have opened with OTRI, including: (1) the establishment of a Technology Policy Research Fellowship—a two-year term appointment for recent graduates with education in technology and policy; (2) a Research Coordinator position, which will oversee OTRI’s technology research projects; and (3) the continuation of the Technology Research Internship Program—which will be expanded into semester-long externships throughout the school year.
News: ConsumerProtection FederalTradeCommissionNews