The National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) has joined a Commerce-Department-wide
Internet Policy Task Force to identify leading issues in the United
States affecting the private sector’s ability to realize the potential
for economic growth and job creation through the Internet. The tasf
force was announced last week by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.
In addition, by a Notice of Inquiry (NOI)
published in the Federal Register, the Commerce Department is
seeking public comment from all interested parties on the impact of
current privacy laws in the United States and around the world on the
pace of innovation in the information economy—do current privacy laws
adequately serve consumer interests and fundamental democratic values.
The Task Force is comprised of staff members
from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA), the International Trade Administration (ITA), NIST and the
Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), and will be coordinated through the
Commerce Department’s Office of Policy and Strategic Planning, which
reports to the Secretary.
For more information, see the Department of
Commerce press release, “Commerce
Secretary Locke Announces Public Review of Privacy Policy and
Innovation in the Internet Economy, Launches Internet Policy Task Force,”
at www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_009159.
The Federal Register notice can be viewed at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-9450.pdf.
