Consumer Advocate Launches Campaign Pushing for Chip and PIN Technology

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Not content with the pace of America's financial sector to overhaul the technology available to credit and debit card users, Consumer Policy Solutions today launched a consumer-focused campaign built to recruit like-minded allies and exert pressure on the financial sector. Branded as ProtectMyData.org and organized by Consumer Policy Solutions President Debra Berlyn, the effort features an informative microsite explaining the need for current data security discussions to include the transition to chip and PIN technology for point-of-sale purchases – not merely chip and signature cards.

"As data breaches become more of a common occurrence in today's digital world, consumers need and expect a sound data security system that protects their personal information," said Ms. Berlyn. "With access to the most advanced technology available, there is no reason for this pattern of half-hearted efforts to continue.  A crucial element in improving our current system is a migration from our outdated chip and signature payment cards to chip and PIN equipped payment cards."

ProtectMyData.org maintains one central mission: work with stakeholders across the spectrum to help equip Americans with the best and most proven protections available. The campaign applauds current efforts by entities like the White House – who in 2014 launched the "BuySecure" Executive Order to make all government-issued debit and credit cards come with chip and PIN technology – but believes that private industry must follow suit. According to multiple reports, signature verification falls short in protecting consumers, most especially in the case of lost or stolen cards. As Reuters reported this week, "U.S. banks and card companies will not issue personal identification numbers (PINs) with the new credit cards, an additional security measure that would render stolen or lost cards virtually useless when making in-person purchases at a retail outlet. Instead, they will stick with the flawed practice of requiring signatures."

Ms. Berlyn continues to recognize influential leaders in the discussion, and while she doesn't believe a government mandate is the ultimate solution, she is pleased that some members of Congress are engaged on the issue. "Congressional recognition of chip and PIN by champions such as Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Mark Warner and through the planned "Cyber Week" in March brings us one step closer to institutionalizing these protections once and for all," she stated. "As retailers and merchants begin upgrading their payment terminals to accept these changes, it is now up to banks and card issuers to manufacture and distribute cards outfitted with both chip and PIN. Through this new campaign, we are urging the gamut of decision makers – state and federal legislators and regulators, the financial sector, consumer-advocacy groups and American consumers everywhere – to work together to supply Americans with technology widely available across the globe. American consumers deserve the strongest safeguard available—and that safeguard is chip and PIN."

The campaign recognizes the complexity of the debate – ranging from notification standard discussions in Congress all the way to non-sale breaches like Sony – but promises to push forward with what it views as a baseline protection. For more information, please visit ProtectMyData.org.

Consumer Policy Solutions is a firm centered on developing public policies addressing the interests of consumers and the marketplace. Ms. Debra Berlyn also leads the Consumer Privacy Awareness Project, an effort dedicated to educating and informing consumers. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Consumers League.

SOURCE ProtectMyData.org

Related Links

http://protectmydata.org/