April 23 2010 - Data protection authorities issue open letter to Google
Most readers have likely heard about the letter sent to Google on behalf of 10 data protection authorities ("DPA") from around the globe, expressing their dismay about the rollout of new online services without adequate privacy protection in place. While the letter was sent to Google officials on Monday April 19, five of the DPAs participated in a press conference on Tuesday, April 20, in Washington, DC and again in a panel discussion at the International Association of Privacy Professionals ("IAPP") Global Privacy Summit the next day.
We attended both events in order to obtain a better understanding of the issue, which has been widely covered by the media. Immediately below we have reproduced the official letter for the readers' convenience, followed by our thoughts on what this event really means.