The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection submits formal comments and testimony to State and federal entities to voice consumer concerns, advance policy changes and promote regulatory reform for a stronger and fairer marketplace. The Division’s “think tank” operation also produces white papers, analyses, comments and research reports to raise awareness about contemporary issues and help promote consumer-friendly practices in the marketplace.
Division Reports and Analysis Pieces
- Reducing the Risk of Identity Theft in the Disposal of Computers and Digital Copiers (May 2010)
- Exercise Your Options to Protect Your Privacy: Are Your Records Accurate? (April 2010)
- The 2010 Census -- How to Protect Your Identity from Scammers and Make Yourself Count (March 2010)
- Exercise Your Options to Protect Your Privacy: Unwanted Marketing Messages (Febuary 2010)
- Medical Identity Theft: Understanding the Crime and Reducing Your Risk (January 2010)
- Analysis of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009
- Social Security Numbers: Reducing Business Use and Identity Theft Risk (December 2009)
- Data Security Breach: If You Get Notified (November 2009)
- New York State Healthcare Breach Notification (October 2009)
- Make Customer Privacy Your Policy (September 2009)
- Make Supermarket Privacy Your Policy (August 2009)
- Update the New York State Consumer Debt Collection Protction Laws (August 2009)
- Protect the Name of a Deceased Loved One (July 2009)
- Make Privacy Your Policy (June 2009)
- Spear Phishing (May 2009)
- Passwords (April 2009)
- 10 Tips for Using Social Networking Sites (March 2009)
- Advice for Parents of the E-Generation (February 2009)
- Cloud Computing: Do Not Let Your Privacy Disappear in the Clouds (January 2009)
- Analysis of the Summary of the Governor’s Program Bill #44 (S.8143-A/A.10817-A) (Enacted August 5, 2008)
- Understanding Radio Frequency Identification (December 2007)
Division Testimony
Airlines
-
Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections (July 2010)
Financial
- Comments on Amendments to Regulation Z (April 2010)
- Comments on Proposed Amendments to the Free Annual File Disclosures Rule (December 2009)
- Comments on Standards of Conduct for the Tax Return Preparer Community and Increased Taxpayer Compliance (August 2009)
- Comments on Clarification/Amendments to Regulation Z (May 2009)
- Testimony Before the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection, Standing Committee on Judiciary, Standing Committee on Banks Regarding to Consumer Protection in the Debt Collection and Debt Management Industries (May 2009)
- Comments on Amendment of Rules of Regulation E, implementing the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) (March 2009)
- Amendment of Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) (July 2008)
- Amendment of Regulation AA, which implements the FTC Act (July 2008)
- Amendment of Rules of Regulation DD, implementing the Truth in Savings Act (July 2008)
- Proposed amendments to Regulation Z, implementing the Truth in Lending Act and Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (April 2008)
- Comments to the Federal Reserve Board Regarding Regulation Z of the Truth in Lending Act (October 2007)
- House Financial Services Credit Card Testimony (June 2007)
- Credit Card Testimony to New York State Legislature (April 2007)
Information Privacy and Identity Theft
- Testimony Before the New York City Council on Identity Theft (November 2010)
- Comments on Privacy Roundtables, Privacy No. P095416 (November 2009)
- Comments on Sears Holding, File No. 0823099, Information Privacy (July 2009)
- Comments to FTC on Credit Report Freeze Effectiveness (February 2008)
- Online Behavioral Targeting Comments before the FTC (February 2008)
- Comment to the FTC on the Use of Social Security Numbers in the Private Sector (September 2007)
- Opines on Model Privacy Disclosure Form (June 2007)
- Comment to the FTC on the Role of Authentication in Reducing and Preventing Identity Theft (April 2007)
Consumer Durable Products
- Comments on Proposed Rulemaking for 16 CFR Part 1130; Requirements for Consumer Registration of Durable Infant or Toddler Products (September 2009)
- Toy Safety Testimony (November 2007)
Telecommunications and Utilities