Silicon Valley Firm Joins Call For Online Privacy, Security

WASHINGTON (KCBS) – Hewlett Packard stressed its support for increased privacy and data security legislation at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

HP's Chief Privacy Officer Scott Taylor told senators that the world's largest computer company is a strong proponent of federal legislation.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

"We're looking at a time where reliance on technology is ever-increasing. People have growing expectations that companies are going to be accountable stewards that respect and protect the information that we collect, we use and maintain," said Taylor. "HP firmly believes that our ability to succeed in the marketplace depends on earning and keeping our customer's trust."

The Senate Committee also heard from Federal Communications Commission General Counsel Austin Schlick.

"Increased use of personal data in connection with new online and wireless applications is raising serious privacy and security concerns," said Schlick. "Successfully addressing these concerns will be critical to increasing adoption and deployment of technologies that benefit consumers, government and the economy."

Recently introduced legislation would require companies to respect consumer's requests to opt out of online tracking.

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