White House Internet Privacy Committee: Our Dream Team

The Federal government has announced it is finally taking a serious stand on Internet privacy--or at least, it's convening a committee to figure out exactly what the issues are. The White House's Committee on Privacy and Internet Policy, part of the Office of Science and Technology, will advise the executive branch on internet privacy.

Steven Chu. Even if it's a staffer posting in his name to the Energy Department blog or maintaining his regularly updated public Facebook page, Chu's internet footprint is a breath of fresh air. It's rare to see a cabinet member whose public social media presence is so well represented.

James Gilmore. Although he doesn't actually work at the DHS, former Virginia governor Gilmore raised questions about privacy issues that led to crucial reforms at the department. Gilmore is just the kind of Internet policy wonk a committee like this needs.

Jared Cohen. Fast Company has written about Cohen before (he's now at Google Ideas). The former Policy Planning staff member's research and publications on Internet use among young people in censorship societies, such as Iran, shows a keen awareness of privacy issues. In 2009, Cohen was reportedly responsible for keeping Twitter online during the “Green Revolution” demonstrations in Tehran.

John Porcari. The DOT doesn't immediately pops to mind when thinking of online privacy. But Porcari is an Internet wonk who helped introduce Twitter- and Facebook- based “open government” initiatives at the DOT. Outside-the-box thinking in government? Why not?

No one. watchdog group the Center for Democracy and Technology notes that HHS is rolling back health privacy protections for the dead. The ramifications for the living aren't too good either.