Articles

22Jun

Cloud Computing Services Benefit from Flexible Approach to Data Security

Comprehensive privacy legislation based upon a "flexible, risk-based approach" would be the best way to approach data security and competition concerns in the cloud computing industry, according to Privacy for America.

The coalition urged on June 21, 2023 that Privacy for America's framework -- "flexible data security standards that are tailored to the nature and scope of the covered entity as well as the sensitivity and potential risks of harm to the consumer of the personal information processed by the covered entity" -- works best for protecting consumer data and promoting competition in the cloud computing industry.

This came in response to a request for comment from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on the business practices of cloud computing providers.

Privacy for America's comments "explain why this flexible, risk-based approach works well in the cloud computing industry by encouraging competition and allowing entities of all sizes to access data security infrastructure that fits their own needs in addition to their customers’ needs. We also explain that a one-size-fits-all approach to cloud security standards would be counterproductive to bolstering data protection, because it would diminish access to effective data security for the business community and result in disadvantageous economic and competitive results."

America's "history of flexible data security standards," Privacy for America concluded, "has bolstered the economy, and any new requirements that may apply to cloud services providers should build on that example through national, preemptive privacy and data security legislation passed by Congress." Thus, the FTC "should support the creation of a national data security standard through legislation that works across all actors in the marketplace, a result that can be best achieved through the legislative process."

About the Author

Howard Fienberg

Based in Washington, DC, Howard is the Insights Association's lobbyist for the marketing research and data analytics industry, focusing primarily on consumer privacy and data security, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), tort reform, and the funding and integrity of the decennial Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). Howard has more than two decades of public policy experience. Before the Insights Association, he worked in Congress as senior legislative staffer for then-Representatives Christopher Cox (CA-48) and Cliff Stearns (FL-06). He also served more than four years with a science policy think tank, working to improve the understanding of scientific and social research and methodology among journalists and policymakers. Howard is also co-director of The Census Project, a 900+ member coalition in support of a fair and accurate Census and ACS. He has also served previously on the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics and and the Association of Government Relations Professionals. Howard has an MA International Relations from the University of Essex in England and a BA Honors Political Studies from Trent University in Canada, and has obtained the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Professional Lobbying Certificate (PLC) and the Public Policy Certificate (PPC). When not running advocacy for the Insights Association, Howard enjoys hockey, NFL football, sci-fi and horror movies, playing with his dog, and spending time with family and friends.