Princeton prof. Edward Felten named FTC's first chief technologist

Federal Trade Commission chairman Jon Leibowitz announced Thursday that Princeton computer science professor Edward Felten will serve as the agency's first chief technologist.

A prominent researcher, Felten is founding director of Princeton's Center for Information Technology Policy and serves as a part-time consultant for the FTC. In his new role — starting in January — he will advise the commission on consumer-related technology policy issues such as cybersecurity, online privacy and antitrust matters. Felten will take a one-year leave of absence from Princeton to work at the FTC.

"The trade commission is heavily involved with issues that touch on technology," Felten said. "Much of my research and the work of CITP focuses on issues of consumer protection and competitiveness. This is a chance for me to apply what I've been studying and see the policymaking process from the inside."

Leibowitz said Felten will provide valuable input on the FTC's upcoming recommendations for online privacy, as well as on enforcement actions the commission is planning to unveil in order to protect consumer privacy.

“Ed is extraordinarily respected in the technology community, and his background and knowledge make him an outstanding choice to serve as the agency’s first Chief Technologist,” Leibowitz said. “He’s going to add unparalleled expertise on high-technology markets and computer security."

Leibowitz also announced that Eileen Harrington has been named the FTC's executive director after a 15-month stint as chief operating officer at the Small Business Administration. Harrington previously spent 25 years at the FTC, starting as a staff attorney and working her way through the Bureau of Consumer Protection to become acting director.

Harrington is perhaps best known for leading the team that created the National Do Not Call Registry, for which she won the Service to America Medal.

This is a very happy homecoming,” Leibowitz said. “Eileen has made an invaluable contribution to the FTC in the past, and her strong management skills, enthusiasm, and creativity will once again be put to use for the betterment of the agency and for American consumers. We are delighted to have her back.”