EPIC Signs Coalition Letter Seeking to Preserve Independent Agencies

On February 25, EPIC joined dozens of groups in a coalition letter to President Trump expressing alarm at his attempts to curtail the legal authority of independent agencies, such as firing Democratic appointed Commissioners and issuing an Executive Order that would place independent agencies under direct presidential control. These agencies include consumer protection regulators such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as well as important government surveillance oversight entities such as the U.S. Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB).

In the letter, the coalition emphasizes that Congress established independent agencies precisely so they would be insulated from political interference from the president. For some multi-member commissions, the firings in particular would not only impact the independence of the agency but also could result in the agencies being unable to function entirely due to falling below the minimum required for quorum to take certain basic actions such as authorizing enforcement, adopting regulations, or issuing reports.

EPIC additionally issued its own statement condemning the Executive Order “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies”, noting in particular that “[t]hese agencies are responsible for ensuring that our most sensitive data is secured and not abused.” EPIC also issued a statement last month urging Congressional action in response to White House firings of PCLOB Members.

EPIC has long advocated for robust safeguards to protect Americans’ personal information. EPIC has called for greater transparency in the government’s data collection and privacy practices and brings lawsuits against government entities that have threatened Americans’ civil liberties.