Privacy & Information Security Law Blog

Hunton & Williams LLP, in coordination with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, recently issued a series of recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of data privacy regulators. The report, Seeking Solutions: Attributes of Effective Data Protection Authorities, identifies seven key attributes of data protection authorities (“DPAs”) that contribute to effective data protection governance. The report also explores how the level of effectiveness varies based on differences in the structure, roles and resources of a DPA.

“The common thread among all the DPAs reviewed is that truly effective DPAs treat those they regulate as partners instead of adversaries,” said Lisa Sotto, partner and chair of Hunton & Williams’ Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice. “Effective DPAs also demonstrate an understanding of, and ability to adapt to, the evolving business and technology landscape.”

The Chamber of Commerce introduced the report at its February 22, 2017 event, Policies that Promote Growth: Best Practices for Privacy and Cross-Border Data Flows. Acting Federal Trade Commission Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen delivered a keynote address at the rollout event launching the report, and Sotto highlighted key aspects of the study’s findings. Former U.S. Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Karen Kornbluh later moderated a “fireside chat” with Ohlhausen and Sotto.