LUNCH & LEARN: DATA PRIVACY PRIMER
LUNCH & LEARN: DATA PRIVACY PRIMER
Hosted by Vermont State Representative Monique Priestley
Friday, April 26th 12:00–1:00pm Eastern
Register to Receive Zoom Details: https://bit.ly/privacyprimer
GUEST EXPERTS:
Neil Richards & Ryan Durrie of the Cordell Institute, Caitriona Fitzgerald of EPIC, and Zach Tomanelli of VPIRG. (Bios below.)
A constant stream of data — from our steps, heart rates, exercise routines, and location, to our shopping behaviors, online interactions, preferences, and even the layout of our homes — is voraciously consumed by companies. These entities meticulously compile comprehensive profiles that not only reflect our current lives but also predict future behaviors, health, lifestyle choices, interests, financial status, and even our emotional and psychological states. All day, every day, our personal details are being transformed into valuable assets. Companies, with their extensive data collection capabilities, offer a sobering glimpse into the extent of surveillance we are subjected to, often under the pretext of convenience. This reality challenges us to consider the balance between the benefits of technology and the preservation of our privacy. As every aspect of our lives is digitized and scrutinized, we become participants in an ongoing exchange where our personal information is the currency, compelling us to reflect on the boundaries of this trade and its implications for our personal freedom and privacy. Join us as we discuss what data privacy is — and why it matters — with guest experts.
AGENDA:
A Brief History in Data Privacy
What is Data Minimization?
What is Targeted Advertising?
What is a Private Right of Action?
Why does any of this matter?
ABOUT THE EXPERTS:
From the Washington University School of Law Cordell Institute:
Neil Richards, JD, MA is one of the world’s leading experts in privacy law, information law, and freedom of expression. He writes, teaches, and lectures about the regulation of the technologies powered by human information that are revolutionizing our society. Professor Richards holds the Koch Distinguished Professorship at Washington University School of Law, where he co-directs the Cordell Institute for Policy in Medicine & Law. He is also an affiliate scholar with the Stanford Center for Internet and Society and the Yale Information Society Project, a Fellow at the Center for Democracy and Technology, and a consultant and expert in privacy cases. Professor Richards serves on the board of the Future of Privacy Forum and is a member of the American Law Institute. Professor Richards graduated in 1997 with graduate degrees in law and history from the University of Virginia, and served as a law clerk to both William H. Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the United States and Paul V. Niemeyer, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Professor Richards is the author of Intellectual Privacy (Oxford Press 2015). His many scholarly and popular writings on privacy and civil liberties have appeared in a wide variety of media, from the Harvard Law Review and the Yale Law Journal to The Guardian, WIRED, and Slate. His next book, Why Privacy Matters, will be published by Oxford Press in 2021. Professor Richards regularly speaks about privacy, big data, technology, and civil liberties throughout the world, and also appears frequently in the media. At Washington University, he teaches courses on privacy, technology, free speech, and constitutional law, and is a past winner of the Washington University School of Law’s Professor of the Year award.
Ryan Durrie, JD served as Senior Corporate Counsel for Amazon prior to joining the Cordell Institute, where he was responsible for leading contract negotiations across top-tier companies across multiple industries and negotiations regarding complex compliance issues. Previously, he was with Golub Capital, where he focused on compliance issues. He graduated from Washington University School of Law and has a degree in Finance from the University of Tulsa.
From the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC):
Caitriona Fitzgerald is Deputy Director at the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC). Caitriona leads the development of EPIC’s policy agenda, providing expertise to advance strong privacy, open government, and algorithmic fairness and accountability laws at both the state and federal level. She has testified before Congress and state legislatures. Prior to joining EPIC, Caitriona served as Chief of Staff to Massachusetts State Senator Barry Finegold, where she focused on election law reforms. A member of the Massachusetts bar, Caitriona graduated from Northeastern University School of Law (J.D.) and the State University of New York at Geneseo (B.A., Computer Science). She was recently selected as a 2023 Harvard Law School Wasserstein Fellow.
From the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG):
Zach Tomanelli is VPIRG’s Communications & Engagement Director. Before joining VPIRG, Zach was an Online Organizer and Community Director at the progressive news and activism website Firedoglake where he worked on everything from environmental protection to drug policy reform. He’s also spent time at the American Civil Liberties Union, Democracy Now!, Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) and National Public Radio. Zach is a 2011 graduate of Ithaca College with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. In his role at VPIRG, Zach manages all of VPIRG’s advocacy and outreach communications including emails, web posts, social media, mailings and publications. He also leads VPIRG advocacy efforts on digital consumer protection issues – fighting for data privacy/security, net neutrality and affordable high-speed internet access for all Vermonters. Zach also oversees VPIRG’s data, information and internal technology operations.
