Commerce Privacy Report Likely to Spur Lawsuits

The Commerce Department's privacy paper setting forth a consumer privacy "bill of rights" reads like a typical policy report, but may be potent ammunition for plaintiffs attorneys. Any company doing business on the Internet—especially companies marketing and advertising to consumers—could find itself in court over privacy issues. Adweek spoke with privacy attorney Paul Bond, a partner in the data privacy, security and management practice of Reed Smith, to find out what companies can expect and what they should do to guard against a potential onslaught of class-action suits based on the Commerce Department's report.