Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen announced the creation of a Privacy and Data Security Department within his office on Wednesday.
The department will work on litigation and investigations pertaining exclusively to privacy and data security. The creation of the department follows Jepsen's appointment in 2011 of a multidisciplinary Privacy Task Force, which provided the public with information about data protection and focused on the office's response to concerns over Internet privacy.
Jepsen said that online security was a growing concern when he was elected to office in 2011, and nothing has lessened the importance of privacy on the Internet in the last four years. Over the last few years, Jepsen said his office has led investigations into massive data breaches at several large retailers including Home Depot, Anthem and Target.
“Sadly there is no reason to predict that the demands of privacy and data security concerns will subside in the foreseeable future,” Jepsen said. “Formation of a dedicated Privacy and Data Security Department within my office will maintain Connecticut's standing as a national leader on this important topic and ensure that this work will continue with equal importance and emphasis to that done by other departments within the office."
Matthew Fitzsimmons, assistant attorney general and chairman of the Privacy Task Force, will serve as the head of the newly formed department.
"Creation of this department is being accomplished within available appropriations," Jepsen said. "While eventually we may seek to expand the department, all of us in government must work to do more with less. Despite resource constraints, I am fully confident in our staff and in the leadership of Attorney Fitzsimmons – a national leader in data security and privacy – to continue and build on the excellent work they've done in this important area."