William Bennet Munro History Seminar

Abstract: In the age of "surveillance capitalism," collecting and analyzing sensitive, often invasively personal information has become the focal point of a multi-billion dollar industry. As individual states have begun to take action through legislation such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, the need to establish an effective privacy regime is generally recognized on all sides of the political spectrum. But do people actually care about data privacy in practice? In an industry that is constantly under development, is it possible to reach a resolution that would actually work? Should punishments for invasions of privacy be limited to those associated with physical injury and/or financial loss? Who should be responsible for enforcement, and how can rights be enforced in a new, unique, and increasingly global market? This talk will survey the scope of the problems and introduce some of the complexities and unintended consequences of drafting solutions.

Lunch will be provided.