Washington, DC - Quick:  How many connected devices do your customers have within arm’s reach right now? For a lot of them, the answer is (at minimum) a desktop computer, a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, a connected TV, and a wearable gadget. What are the consumer protection implications when companies collect data through – and across – those devices for the purpose of advertising and marketing? Cross-device tracking is the topic of a half-day FTC workshop on November 16, 2015.

Given the limitations of cookies in the multi-device, multi-platform landscape, companies are turning to new technologies to track consumers. But what about the privacy and security ramifications? Chairwoman Ramirez will set the stage for that discussion with opening remarks at 9:00 a.m. Next on the workshop agenda is a presentation from Justin Brookman, policy director for the FTC’s Office of Technology, Research and Investigation (OTECH).

The first panel will take a look at the technology behind cross-device tracking. What are the benefits for businesses and consumers – and what are the privacy concerns? The second panel will explore policy considerations: What information is being collected about consumers? Are people aware of what’s going on? How do notice-and-consent models work in this arena? And what’s the word on industry self-regulation?

The workshop will be held at the FTC’s Constitution Center conference venue, located at 400 7th Street, S.W., near the L’Enfant Plaza Metro in Washington, DC. Seating for the free event is first-come-first-served. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Can’t make it to Washington on November 16th? We’ll webcast the workshop from a link posted that morning on the event page.