Consumer Costs in the Digital World — Does Free Really Mean Free?

Join Consumer Policy Solutions on Wednesday, June 14th as we start to address the question: What Does “Free” Really Mean in the Digital World.

As consumers navigate the online world, there are endless opportunities to access free apps, websites, search engines, social networks, and more without paying any fees. In this environment, consumers believe that their activity and data consumption on the web is free; however, are these services and resources truly “free” to the consumer? In what ways do consumers avoid some costs, but bear others? Join this esteemed panel of discussants as they help us understand what “free” actually means on the web, and how the current system of ad-supported businesses offering free services raise privacy concerns and other issues for consumers.

The program will bring together experts from the telecommunications and digital advertising industry, academics, and diverse consumer voices to address these questions and more.

When: Wednesday, June 14th, 2017 10:00 A.M. – 11:15 A.M.

Where: Hogan & Lovells, 555 13th Street, Room 13-202

Panelists:

• John Mayo, Professor of Economics, Business and Public Policy, Georgetown University School of Business
• Kim Keenan, President and CEO, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC)
• Leigh Freund, President and CEO, Network Advertising Initiative (Invited)
• Jonathan Spalter, President and CEO, USTelecom
• Moderator: Debra Berlyn, President, Consumer Policy Solutions