Major Leadership Announcement at California Privacy Protection Agency
The California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy) is undergoing an important shift in leadership with the recent appointment of Nicole Ozer to its Board. This appointment, made by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, reflects California’s ongoing dedication to enhancing consumer privacy safeguards. As concerns over digital rights and data management continue to grow, the timing of this move is especially pertinent.
Nicole Ozer Joins CalPrivacy Board
Jennifer Urban, Chair of the CalPrivacy Board, expressed strong support for Ozer’s appointment, highlighting her impressive background in privacy law, surveillance policy, artificial intelligence, and digital rights. Urban remarked, “Nicole has a long history of service to Californians and deep legal and policy expertise. Her knowledge will be a valuable asset to the agency as we continue advancing privacy protections across the state.”
Urban also took a moment to thank the departing board member, Dr. Brandie Nonnecke, for her contributions to policy enforcement and public outreach during her tenure.
The CalPrivacy Board plays a critical role in shaping how California implements and enforces its privacy regulations. Appointments like Ozer’s are essential, especially as regulations increasingly evolve to account for advancements in technology and consumer needs.
Ozer’s Extensive Background in Privacy Law
Before her appointment to the CPPA Board, Nicole Ozer was the founding Director of the Technology and Civil Liberties Program at the ACLU of Northern California. Her rich career in civil liberties, technology, and privacy includes significant positions like a Technology and Human Rights Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and a Visiting Researcher at the Berkeley Center for Law and Technology. She has also been a Fellow at Stanford’s Digital Civil Society Lab, showcasing her long-standing dedication to the intersection of technology and civil rights.
Ozer’s contributions have been formally recognized; she received a California Senate Members Resolution acknowledging her ongoing efforts to protect civil liberties in the digital era. In her own words, Ozer stated, “I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the CPPA Board. This is a critical moment to ensure that California’s robust privacy rights are meaningful in practice. I look forward to supporting the agency’s important work.”
The Mission of the California Privacy Protection Agency
CalPrivacy operates under a five-member board, with appointments coming from the Governor, Senate Rules Committee, Assembly Speaker, and Attorney General. The agency is tasked with administering and enforcing key privacy laws, particularly the California Consumer Privacy Act, the Delete Act, and the Opt Me Out Act.
Beyond enforcement, CalPrivacy’s emphasis also lies in educating the public and businesses about their privacy rights and obligations. Through its official website, Privacy.ca.gov, Californians can find resources on how to safeguard personal data, submit deletion requests, and navigate the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP).
Parallel Leadership Changes in Privacy and Security
Ozer’s recent appointment is occurring alongside noteworthy changes at the federal level as well. The National Security Agency (NSA) also announced a significant leadership addition with Timothy Kosiba stepping in as its 21st Deputy Director. This underscores the broader shifts in leadership that emphasize experienced guidance in safeguarding sensitive information amid evolving privacy concerns.
As the senior civilian leader at the NSA, Kosiba will oversee strategy execution and policy development, marking a critical moment in national security. While the missions of the NSA and CalPrivacy differ significantly, both appointments signify a unified commitment to addressing the complexities of data protection and public trust.
These recent developments underline an ongoing evolution in governance concerning privacy, cybersecurity, and digital rights. Effective leadership is crucial in redefining how protections are established in our increasingly tech-driven world.
