Commerce Department Creates Privacy Post
U.S. Commerce Secretary Donald Evans has created a new privacy post within the agency.The new position, senior adviser to the secretary for privacy, was created to make certain that the Department of Commerce follows the privacy policy posted on the department's Web site, www.commerce.gov.
"Many Americans rely on the Department of Commerce Internet system for a wide range of statistics, data and other information," Evans said in a statement. "I recognize the importance of protecting consumer privacy, and we should lead by example. This new position will help direct our effort to protect those who interact with our system."
The new privacy post has not been filled yet.
Though privacy watchdog groups applauded the department for creating the position, at least one privacy advocate would like to see further action from the Bush administration.
"We think that it's a very positive move on the part of the Department of Commerce, but we still have concerns that there has not been coordination from the White House," said Ari Schwartz, policy analyst at the Center for Democracy and Technology, Washington. "We still look to the Bush administration for some general leadership here, and we hope that they will start moving on this issue soon."
