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It is a real pleasure being here to speak with you at the 32nd International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners. Thank you, Minister Steinitz and also Minister of Justice Neeman, who invited me to come to Jerusalem to share the views of the United States of America on privacy and innovation.

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Thanks, Carmen, for that introduction and for the opportunity to join this important consumer dialogue on the future of online consumer protection.  I am especially pleased to see that the consumer movement is rising to the challenge of addressing leading-edge privacy policy and technology questions posed by the ever-evolving Internet environment.

I. Introduction.

Chairman Rush, Ranking Member Whitfield, and Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for your invitation to testify on behalf of the U.S. Department of Commerce.  As the Associate Administrator for the Office of Policy Analysis and Development at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), I welcome the opportunity to testify before you to discuss how best to protect consumer privacy in the rapidly evolving Internet Age.

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Last year Dale Hatfield and I agreed that I would come here without a prepared text. Instead, I would sit and listen to the conference and then I would stay up all night to prepare remarks to give at the end of the conference. I found it a challenging but stimulating exercise – at least enough so to agree to reprise it again this year.

But before I turn to this year’s discussion, I’d like to update everyone on our progress since last year’s conference.

I. Introduction.

Chairman Rockefeller, Ranking Member Hutchison, distinguished Committee Members, thank you for the opportunity to testify on behalf of the Department of Commerce ("Department") to discuss Internet privacy policy reform. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can better protect consumer data privacy in the rapidly evolving Internet Age. In doing so, I am pleased to testify here today with Jonathan Leibowitz, the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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Thank you for inviting me to speak here today. I especially want to thank my friend and former FCC colleague Bob Atkinson for including me here today.

I. Introduction

Chairman Walden, Ranking Member Eshoo, Vice Chairman Terry, and Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for your invitation to testify on behalf of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding the implementation of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) Program.

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Thank you, Shirley for the kind introduction.  It is great to be here this morning to speak with all of you.

One of the priorities of the Obama Administration is expanding affordable access to and adoption of high-speed Internet in America. This is a key element of the President's strategy to build the innovation economy of the future -- one that supports new and better jobs, and enhances America's global competitiveness.

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Thank you for joining us this morning. I am looking forward to a very stimulating and interactive discussion on how to protect copyrighted works on the Internet consistent with our policy of preserving a free and open Internet.  I want to thank our panelists for joining us today to share their insights and expertise.  Your participation will enrich today's discussion and expand our understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rights holders, Internet service providers, and Internet users.

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Remarks of Meredith Attwell Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce
(As Prepared)

The Media Institute’s Communications Forum
November 20, 2008 - Washington, D.C.

Introduction

Thank you, Dick, for everything you’ve done and thanks for that kind introduction.  I am delighted to be here, especially on a day of particular historical significance for defenders of the First Amendment. 

Remarks of Meredith Attwell Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce
(As Prepared)

142nd Annual Convention of the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry
Cromwell, Connecticut
November 14, 2008

Introduction

Thank you, Ed, for that kind introduction.  I am delighted to be here today and to have the privilege to address the 142nd Annual Convention of the National Grange.

Challenges of International Cooperation
Plenary Session Keynote Speech of NTIA Acting Assistant Secretary Meredith Attwell Baker
(As prepared)

October 7, 2008

Introduction

Maximum Service Television (MSTV) 22nd Annual Fall Television Conference
Keynote Speech of NTIA Acting Assistant Secretary Meredith Attwell Baker
(As Prepared)

Monday, September 22, 2008

Introduction

Thank you, David, for that introduction.  It is an honor to be here today and participate in this exchange of views and insights on perhaps the most significant achievement in the evolution of television broadcasting technology.

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today on behalf of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding the transition to digital television (DTV) and NTIA’s implementation of the TV Converter Box Coupon Program (Coupon Program). Educating Americans about their options when full-power television stations cease analog broadcasting on February 17, 2009, and administering an efficient and consumer friendly Coupon Program have been top priorities for NTIA over the past eight and one-half months.

To maximize coupon distribution, NTIA is seeking statutory flexibility to use, if necessary, available funds from other programs funded by the DTV Transition and Public Safety Act to cover administrative costs of the Coupon Program.

Remarks of Meredith Attwell Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary, NTIA
(As Prepared)

Progress and Freedom Foundation Aspen Summit
St. Regis Resort, Aspen, Colorado
Welcome Reception, August 17, 2008

Introduction

Thank you, Ken.  It is a great pleasure to be here, and an honor to be the first to take a stab at answering the provocative question of the Summit’s theme:  “Unlocking Innovation:  Has the Key been Misplaced?”

Remarks of Meredith Attwell Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary, NTIA (As Delivered)

NARUC Summer Committee Meetings
Commissioners Luncheon
Hilton Portland and Executive Tower, Portland, Oregon
July 22, 2008

Introduction

APEC TEL MINISTERIAL

“Challenges and Strategies to Promote Universal Service”
April 24, 2008

Meredith Attwell Baker
Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
NTIA, US Department of Commerce

Introduction