As Congress contemplates Internet privacy and data security legislation, the FTC will host the first in a series of public roundtable discussions on Dec. 7 to explore challenges posed by the array of 21st century technology and business practices that collect and use consumer information. Such practices include social networking, cloud computing, behavioral advertising, mobile marketing, and the collection and use of information by retailers, data brokers and third parties, the FTC said in a Tuesday notice. The events will help the Commission determine how best to protect consumer privacy while supporting beneficial uses of the information and technological innovation.

The roundtables will consider the risks and benefits of information collection and use in online and offline contexts, consumer expectations surrounding various information management practices, and the adequacy of existing legal and self-regulatory regimes to address privacy interests, officials said. Invited participants will include stakeholders representing a range of views and experiences, such as academics, privacy experts, consumer advocates, industry participants and associations, technology experts, legislators, international representatives, and others.

Individuals and organizations may submit requests to participate as panelists and may recommend topics for inclusion on the agenda. Those should be submitted electronically to privacyroundtable@ftc.gov no later than Oct. 30. Interested parties can also submit written comments or original research. For more details click here.