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Zero-Knowledge Systems' Austin Hill Tells Privacy By Design conference
For immediate release, December 04, 2001
Montreal - Privacy By Design conference - December 4, 2001 - Privacy and security are mutually dependent, and it is in the best interests of society and business to align them rather than pursue one at the expense of the other, Austin Hill, executive vice president and chief strategy officer of Zero-Knowledge® Systems told business leaders today at the second annual Privacy by Design conference in Montreal, Canada. Privacy By Design brings together business, technology, and policy leaders from around the world to share strategies to turn privacy into competitive advantage for business. Presented by Zero-Knowledge Systems, Privacy By Design is sponsored by IBM, Deloitte and Touche, Privacy Council, Bell, Collier Shannon Scott, DoubleClick, HP, and Watchfire. Red Herring is the exclusive media sponsor.
Today's keynote speakers at Privacy By Design include John Patrick, IBM's VP Internet Technology, talking about Privacy and the Future of the Internet; and Rick White, former US Congressman and founder of the Congressional Internet Caucus and current head of TechNet, sharing his perspectives on current privacy issues at the intersection of Congress and commerce. Tomorrow at 12:30 p.m., US Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology Phillip J. Bond will discuss the Bush administration's role in shaping industry practices with regard to privacy.
Mr. Hill distinguished between the current discussions about surveillance and personal freedoms, and the need for business to build trust and value with customers by implementing privacy and security technologies.
"The tragic events of the past few months have caused us all to stop and reassess our values, principles and the fundamental rights we enjoy. We are also rethinking the relationship between privacy and security, and industry is examining the role it can play," Mr. Hill told an audience of senior executives from companies including Bell Canada, DaimlerChrysler, DoubleClick, Earthlink, Hewlett Packard, Nokia, Oracle and Sun Microsystems. "There is a new priority on security - security of our skies, borders, streets, offices and homes. A lot is being said about the concept of balancing the need for personal privacy against the need for security, but society and business can benefit most by focusing on how we can align privacy and security."
Mr. Hill continued: "Every entity in society is collecting and amassing personal information about customers, employees, members and citizens. In the years to come, this information will continue to multiply and, along with it, so will the need for businesses, governments and organizations to responsibly protect and manage the information they collect. Companies value this information for business operations and customer service. Consumers value it because it relates directly to them and their personal privacy. This value is why there are privacy policies and legislation. It's why companies hire Chief Privacy Officers, and why the media and research firms cover privacy. It's why there is an industry offering privacy technologies for businesses and consumers. The simple fact is that businesses that succeed in today's privacy-conscious climate will do so by building privacy into their infrastructure and operations. This is achieved by merging sound policies and practices with privacy and security technologies."
Mr. Hill also gave an overview of the last year in privacy, highlighting legislative activity such as the passing of Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act for financial services modernization in the US. This year also saw the Chief Privacy Officer emerge as the new "C" level position that every business dealing with customer information must have, according to Mr. Hill.
"CPOs have moved beyond education and policy definition and are focusing on the difficulties and costs associated with compliance. They are looking for technologies that reduce the cost and complexity of their role. This need has helped drive the emergence of companies offering privacy technologies and services," Mr. Hill said. "I am excited to see a focus on privacy technology implementation that aligns the awareness and cost motivations surrounding privacy. The pace of privacy runs tandem with that of innovation, technology and business. Like security, it is a process that is best served by constant diligence, effective organization and robust technology."
Mr. Hill concluded his remarks by saying that privacy must be built into the design of new technologies:
"One key question we often forget to ask is whether or not technology is making our lives better. While most people are enthusiastic about new technologies, many are also concerned, for example refusing to shop online because they don't trust businesses with their information. If we are to experience a time when our lives are truly improved and enriched by technology, privacy will have to be an essential design element."
Privacy By Design 2001 continues until December 5 at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Quebec. Information about conference registration is available at 514.993.8748.
About Zero-Knowledge Systems, Inc.
Zero-Knowledge® Systems (www.zeroknowledge.com) is a provider of security and privacy solutions for Global 2000 businesses. Through a combination of industry-leading technology and world-recognized security and privacy expertise, Zero-Knowledge develops solutions that enable enterprises to ensure the privacy of customer information assets, build brand around consumer trust, and lower the cost of complying with global privacy regulations and industry standards. The company's product line includes Enterprise Privacy Manager (EPM) for business, and Freedom Privacy & Security tools for consumers. EPM gives enterprises the ability to both protect and utilize customer information. Freedom Privacy & Security Tools allows individuals to retain their security and privacy while using the Internet. Zero-Knowledge Systems is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec with offices in San Francisco, California.
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