White House panel calls for big data reforms to protect privacy
Noting that big data technologies are helping to save lives and make the economy run more efficiently, a White House panel recommended on Thursday that new legislation is necessary to prevent discrimination and protect civil rights.
The report, which came after a 90-day review requested by President Obama, recommends that privacy protections afforded to US residents be extended to residents of other countries. The 85-page report, which was presented to Obama on Thursday, also recommends passing data national breach legislation and restricting use of data collected on students to educational purposes.
The panel's report, which was led by senior White House advisor John Podesta, was part of a review of the National Security Agency's controversial data-collection programs. Although the report mentions Edward Snowden's release of classified documents, the act that ultimately led to the review, the panel makes no reference to the agency's surveillance activities.
