US PIRG, CDD To Host Seminar Examining ‘The Black Box Society’

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund and the Center for Digital Democracy are hosting an event inspired by Frank Pasquale’s new book The Black Box Society on Monday at Public Citizen’s D.C. office. FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Jessica Rich will discuss what policymakers need to do to ensure the use of digital data tools complies with applicable consumer protection laws. “Every day, corporations are connecting the dots about our personal behavior -- silently scrutinizing clues left behind by our work habits and Internet use,” according to Harvard University Press, the book’s publisher. “The data compiled and portraits created are incredibly detailed, to the point of being invasive.” Pasquale, a University of Maryland law professor, will give a keynote address to open the event. Co-Director of the New Economy Project-NYC Sarah Ludwig and Other98.com Communications Director Alexis Goldstein will join Pasquale for a panel discussion on how to empower citizens and consumers in a digitally data-driven economy. The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. In-person attendance is limited, and a live stream of the event is available.