The National Security Agency (NSA) has announced that it has named IAPP member Rebecca Richards, CIPP/US, CIPP/G, its first-ever Civil Liberties and Privacy Officer.
The NSA announced the appointment in a press release today:
http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/press_room/2014/civil_liberties_privacy_officer.shtml
Last summer, President Obama had announced several initiatives to regain the public’s trust in the NSA and to make information about the NSA programs more transparent.
The NSA announced the opening of this position in September 2013 as “focused on the future, designed to directly enhance decision making and to ensure that [civil liberties and privacy] protections continue to be baked into NSA’s future operations, technologies, tradecraft, and policies.”
In January 2014, President Obama made additional comments about Signal’s Intelligence and the critical role of the NSA in the fight against terrorism. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/01/17/remarks-president-review-signals-intelligence
The role of Chief Privacy Officer is becoming a key role for public, private, and government agencies alike.
Double-Helix continues to be a great resource for new and seasoned privacy officers at biotechnology and SaaS companies trying to navigate the complex legal and practical requirements of the role.
Excellent professional societies and resources privacy and security professionals may want to join and we are members of include: