C-SPAN Video & Audio EU Right-to-be-Forgotten Briefing

In case you missed it the C-SPAN video and the audio MP3 is now available for Friday’s Congressional Internet Caucus AC briefing on …

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Speakers:

  • Mike Godwin, Senior Policy Advisor, Internews (Bio)
  • Joe Jerome, Policy Counsel, Future of Privacy Forum (Bio)
  • Emma Llansó, Director of CDT’s Project on Free Expression, Center for Democracy and Technology (Bio)
  • Rob Pegoraro, Columnist, Yahoo Tech (Bio)
  • David Hoffman, Director of Security Policy and Global Privacy Officer, Intel (Bio)
  • Michael Kubayanda, Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee (moderator)

Date: Friday, August 8, 2014
Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2226
Twitter: @NetCaucusAC
#EUForgotten

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In May, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Google and other search engines must consider requests by any EU citizen to delete information about them, under a policy known as “the right to be forgotten.” Google alone has processed more than 90,000 take down requests since May. Europe’s new privacy right clashes with other deeply held values such as freedom of expression and transparency. Many observers are concerned that the EU’s approach could even affect American Internet users. EU privacy regulators have suggested that the search engines must delete results not only within the EU, but globally, in spite of our First Amendment rights to publish and view the information. Even HBO comedian John Oliver has added to the commentary, suggesting the hashtag #mutuallyassuredhumiliation to highlight the futility of removing embarrassing information from the Internet, and to suggest a more realistic approach for our modern society. When an Internet policy issue makes it to TV comedy shows, its a sign that we need to pay attention here in Washington.

Is the right to be forgotten necessary to protect privacy, or does the EU rule go too far? Should the EU be able to limit access to information by American Internet users? Can the right to be forgotten be reconciled with the watchdog role of the press when public figures can use the new procedures to censor potentially embarrassing information? Join us as we discuss these interesting topics.

This widely attended educational briefing is hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee (ICAC), part of a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Congressional staff and members of the press welcome. The ICAC is a private sector organization comprised of public interest groups, trade associations, non-profits, and corporations. The ICAC takes no positions on legislation or regulation. Rather, it’s a neutral platform where thought leaders debate important technology issues that shape legislative and administration policy in an open forum. We vigilantly adhere to our mission to curate balanced and dynamic debates among Internet stakeholders. Our volunteer board members ensure that we dutifully execute that mission. More information on the ICAC is available at iefcaucushost.staging.wpengine.com.