Subj: Online Privacy: Perspectives of Information Technology Association of 
America
From: Mark Uncapher, Vice President, ITAA, 703-284-5344, muncapher@itaa.org
To: Internet Caucus Advisory Committee

EXCERPT FROM ITAA ONLINE PRIVACY STATEMENT: INTERNET REGULATION & 
DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY

EXISTING REGULATION

Beyond the restraint that consumers exercise in the use of personally identifiable 
information, there are numerous state and Federal laws that govern its use. This 
includes laws affecting financial, medical and children’s information. Our 
privacy laws have generally focused on regulating the **use** of sensitive 
information, rather than attempting to dictate how consumer records are 
**maintained.**  This American approach of focusing on the areas of 
greatest concern reflects a careful balancing of consumer interests. A clear 
distinction should continue to be drawn between what is “personally identifiable 
information” and what is “non- personally identifiable information.”

As a broad principle, ITAA cautions against any regulations which would 
discriminate against online commerce by establishing requirements not faced in 
the more traditional brick and mortar economy. Many other studies have linked 
the productivity gains resulting from the information technology networks as a 
vital contributor to the long prosperity the country has enjoyed in this decade.