For immediate release:
February 15, 2006
For information contact:
David McGuire (202) 637-9800 x106
SAN JOSE, CALIF. -- Center for Democracy & Technology Deputy Director Ari Schwartz won the RSA Conference Award for Public Policy for his role in organizing the efforts of the Anti-Spyware Coalition -- a group of anti-spyware companies and public interest groups working together to help users regain control of their computers. Schwartz joins an elite group of federal regulators, lawmakers and public interest advocates who've received the public policy award since its creation in 1998.
"It's a tremendous honor to be mentioned among the policy luminaries who have won this award in years past. I'm proud to accept this award on behalf of CDT, the Anti-Spyware Coalition and all of the stakeholders from industry and the public interest community who've poured so much time and effort into helping consumers protect themselves against unwanted and often malicious software. It is particularly gratifying that the awards committee chose a member of the public interest community to receive this award, which has gone to so many visionary government leaders."
The Public Policy award recognizes significant contributions and leadership in the field of public policy as it relates to cyber security. Award winners are chosen my members of the Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA), which co-sponsors the RSA Conference. Previous award recipients include Utah Senator Robert Bennett, Federal Trade Commissioner Orson Swindle and Virginia Congressman Tom Davis.
In recent years, Schwartz has emerged as one of the most visible figures in the anti-spyware arena. Schwartz has led CDT's efforts to investigate and file complaints against malicious spyware distributors; provided detailed testimony and guidance to lawmakers working on anti-spyware legislation; and coordinated the efforts of the recently formed Anti-Spyware Coalition.
About CDT: The Center for Democracy and Technology works to promote democratic values and constitutional liberties in the digital age. With expertise in law, technology, and policy, CDT seeks practical solutions to enhance free expression and privacy in global communications technologies. CDT is dedicated to building consensus among all parties interested in the future of the Internet and other new communications media.
About the Anti-Spyware Coalition: The ASC is a group dedicated to building a consensus about definitions and best practices in the debate surrounding spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies. Composed of anti-spyware software companies, academics, and consumer groups, the ASC seeks to bring together a diverse array of perspective on the problem of controlling spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies.