Introduction From the Privacy Law Section Chair

Welcome to the Second Edition of the Privacy Law Section’s Annual Journal. For the second year in a row, we have put together a collection of articles offering insight, perspectives, and hopefully clarity, on issues foremost on the minds of privacy attorneys. In my introduction last year, I referenced the rapid development of the privacy landscape that had occurred since our Section’s inception. Those developments have only quickened in their pace, and as we head into the beginning of a new Administration, it is anyone’s guess what we can expect on the federal level over the next four years. Clearly, when it comes to privacy, there is still much to be seen.

There is also much to learn. The dizzying pace of both technological advancement and regulatory development creates a risk that society might misalign the two. It is incumbent upon us as privacy professionals to stay vigilant and ensure we mitigate that risk where we have the power to do so. We do this by availing ourselves of every opportunity to advance our understanding of technology and the law. It is imperative that we help spread this knowledge at all levels of our respective organizations and clients. It is also imperative that we participate in the law-making process. Whether this means participating in public comments for proposed legislation or advocating on behalf of privacy principles where we can, it is our duty as privacy professionals to lend our expertise to these endeavors.

By now, I hope that you can see the direction I’m headed in with this introduction. Where can an enterprising privacy professional go to help ensure they can reach their full potential? How can privacy attorneys ensure that they are on the cutting edge of developing legal issues? Where can we find like-minded professionals to deliberate the finer points of privacy law? I submit to you the answer to all these questions and more lies within becoming actively engaged with the Privacy Law Section. We are continuing to build and improve the Section, but the future of the Section relies on new volunteers stepping up to help. I encourage all those reading this to reach out and ask how you can make the Privacy Law Section reach its full potential. No matter your background, or area of expertise, there is a place for you in privacy.

Nick Ginger
Chair, Executive Committee