The Me2B Alliance is thrilled to see a Privacy Expert and Advocate assume the role of FTC Commissioner. Bedoya is well known for his work in facial recognition technology and privacy as a civil right, openly criticizing government agencies and big tech on their use of consumer data.  

Bedoya’s research has shined a light on digital surveillance and its impact on people of color, immigrants, and the working class. He founded the Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown Law to focus on the importance of consumer privacy rights. 

Bedoya also served as chief counsel to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law, where he focused on privacy issues dealing with biometrics and geolocation. 

Bedoya was nominated to serve as the FTC Commissioner in September of 2021. His confirmation process was stalled by Republican opposition since Bedoya would give Democrats the majority in the FTC. On May 11, 2022, the Senate finally voted on Bedoya’s confirmation, and it resulted in a 50-50 vote. Vice President Harris broke the tie vote in favor of confirming Bedoya for FTC Commissioner (51-50). 

Bedoya will replace Rohit Chopra and serve as the third democratic commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

Me2BA is eager to see what privacy and tech issues the FTC will focus on in the future, and we look forward to being of service to the FTC in any way can. We will be on the lookout and keep you posted.