Summary of the #FTCPriv Google Buzz Settlement Twitter Chat
Today the FTC used twitter to have a global press conference on the announced settlement with Google on the Buzz product. Here is the summary of the chat.
- The FTC full announcement is here.
Google Inc. has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it used deceptive tactics and violated its own privacy promises to consumers when it launched its social network, Google Buzz, in 2010.
The agency alleges the practices violate the FTC Act. The proposed settlement bars the company from future privacy misrepresentations, requires it to implement a comprehensive privacy program, and calls for regular, independent privacy audits for the next 20 years. This is the first time an FTC settlement order has required a company to implement a comprehensive privacy program to protect the privacy of consumers’ information. In addition, this is the first time the FTC has alleged violations of the substantive privacy requirements of the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework, which provides a method for U.S. companies to transfer personal data lawfully from the European Union to the United States. - In a rather different process, the FTC decided to use Twitter for a "press conference". Here is their announcement.
- FTC's key points in twitter format follow.
- Comments from the pundits
- Here are some of the Questions from people on Twitter -
Katie Ratte, lead attorney, FTC's Division of Privacy and Identify Protection was the FTC staff person that answered the questions. 
FYI: We’ve changed how we use Twitter during Qs & As. See Sec. 2.1 of our updated Privacy Impact Assessment: go.usa.gov/2nn #FTCpriv
