Tonkon Torp has launched an Information Privacy & Security practice group to advise businesses on the proper and practical management of sensitive data. Technical innovations that allow personal information to be collected and processed online have increased the need for businesses of all types to carefully manage and secure large amounts of customer and employee data.
The six attorneys in the Tonkon Torp practice help clients understand and comply with laws and industry standards regulating the collection, use, sharing, protection and proper disposal of personal data. Reflecting the firm’s commitment to this rapidly emerging area of law, attorney Ari Okano Lee has earned the professional designation of Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States, and another colleague has begun the rigorous course.
“The number and complexity of national and international laws concerning data and privacy is growing,” said Lee. “We help our clients demonstrate that they are taking appropriate measures to protect against loss or unauthorized access to sensitive information in their possession and, when necessary, we represent clients in litigation on these matters.”
Among the privacy laws that companies must comply with are the Federal Trade Commission Act, Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) and the Oregon Identity Theft Protection Act.
“This new area of law is broad and impacts any business that has an online presence and that gathers or stores any personal information,” said Mike Morgan, Tonkon Torp’s managing partner. “We are committed to helping clients proactively understand and manage this complex area of business.”
