FTC joins global data security and privacy investigative consortium

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Wednesday that it will participate in an “international multilateral arrangement” to lend intelligence and assist privacy investigators worldwide.

The Global Cooperation Arrangement for Privacy Enforcement (Global CAPE), the nonbinding consortium the FTC is joining, will also help the FTC better monitor global commerce in real time, the agency said in a press release.

By participating in Global CAPE, the FTC will work with international partners on law enforcement investigations and actions involving privacy and data security more seamlessly, no longer having to agree to a memorandum of understanding in each case.

Global CAPE originated as a supplement to the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation Cross-border Privacy Rules (APEC CBPR). Those rules empower APEC’s Asia-Pacific member countries to work together on privacy and data security investigations. Now, countries outside the region can take part in what has become a global partnership.

Bylaws posted online for Global CAPE suggest that information sharing among the member countries is expansive and includes:

• Surveys showing relevant public opinion
• Information about initiatives involving enforcement or cross-border cooperation
• Training programs and opportunities
• Updates on legislation
• Data protection and privacy investigative tools, including for self-regulation
• Observations on trends and statistics for complaints
• FTC commissioners unanimously voted in favor of allowing staff to take part in Global CAPE.