Edith Ramirez to be Named FTC chairman

DMA Seeks Extension to COPPA Rule Deadline

The anticipated appointment of Edith Ramirez as the new chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by President Barack Obama seems to underscore the concern the federal government places on protecting consumer rights amid a swiftly-evolving technologies.

Who it is: Edith Ramirez, to be named chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) effective March 4 by President Barack Obama. Her predecessor, Jon Leibowitz, had served since March 2009.

Where was she prior: Ramirez had been a commissioner of the FTC since April 2010, where she focused on technology and healthcare verticals and fought against deceptive business practices. She also was tasked with overseeing consumer privacy concerns.

Why was she appointed: Gigi Sohn, president of the consumer rights organization Public Knowledge, said that Ramirez “understands that as technology becomes an ever greater part of our lives, competition and consumer protection policy must adapt.” Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) stated “that consumers will continue to have a strong voice and effective advocate…”