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Advisory Committee on Online Access and Security -- Nomination, P004807 NOMINATION FOR FTC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ONLINE ACCESS AND SECURITY
Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR, www.cpsr.org), nominates Rick Comenzo of Brookline, Massachusetts (www.ciberlaw.com) to the FTC Advisory Committee on Online Access and Security. CPSR is a public-interest alliance of computer scientists and others concerned about the impact of computer technology on society. Originally founded in 1981, CPSR has spent much of the past 10 years examining issues relating to the National Information Infrastructure and the Internet. CPSR's October 1993 report, "Serving the Community: A Public-Interest Vision of the National Information Infrastructure" (http://www.cpsr.org/cpsr/nii_policy) warned of privacy concerns similar to those being addressed by the Advisory Committee. Rick Comenzo is an attorney in Brookline, MA, with many years of legal and technical expertise. His experience and expertise are ideally suited for the nominating criteria. Specifically: 1. The individual's participation would promote a balance of points of view represented and functions to be performed by the advisory Committee. ANSWER: As an attorney, Mr. Comenzo has represented both companies and consumers, employers and employees concerning unfair and deceptive business practices under Mass. G. L. 93A. He has advised Elron Software concerning its web monitoring product sold to businesses to monitor employee usage of the web, and he has written privacy policies for Internet sites. 2. The individual has expertise in or knowledge of the issues that are the focus of the Advisory Committee's work. Mr. Comenzo's legal and professional experience provides him with a view of both technical and legal issues that will be addressed by the Committee. His 18 years of experience in the computer industry includes development of programs that deal with private documents such as medical records for Harvard medical School, and human resource files for Bell Atlantic and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). He is a member of Computer Law Association, the ABA's Cyberspace Committee, and the Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR). Mr. Comenzo understands the technology used to "track" individual's buying habits and access to the Internet. He is versed in security issues such as cookies, IP addresses, firewalls, password technology and other relevant technical details. 3. The individual adequately reflects the view of the relevant affected interest(s). As an attorney and computer professional, Mr. Comenzo is cognizant of the views voiced currently by consumers, the government and the Cyberspace community. As a member of CPSR, Mr. Comenzo will work closely with the CPSR board and membership to exchange information regarding the activities of the Advisory Committee. This active communication will guarantee that his participation reflects the views of the CPSR membership. Yours truly Coralee Whitcomb |