Jessica Rich, the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Affairs of the Federal Trade Commission, has communicated her office's position on the potential transfer of consumer data stemming from Radio Shack bankruptcy procedures. At stake is the potential security and use of shopper data extending back many decades for over 117 million consumers. In her letter Director Rich described the risks to consumers with regard to personally identifiable information as well as its sharing and use. The FTC is indicating that the Privacy Policies Radio Shack issued should act as guidance, and has cited precedent for the guidelines it deems appropriate, using the case of Toysmart.com, dating back to 2000. Overall, the FTC is doing its best to protect the privacy and opt-in privileges of former Radio Shack customers in the event of a transfer of ownership of this mountain of shopper data. Read More
