MORGANTOWN, W.Va.—WVU Law professor Jena Martin is exploring consumer rights issues with the goal of creating best-practice guidelines for policymakers.
Martin is the inaugural recipient of the Ralph C. Young Fellowship awarded by the Center for Consumer Law and Education, a joint program between WVU College of Law and Marshall University.
“The fellowship is giving me the opportunity to engage with regional, national and international audiences on issues of data privacy and access to justice,” said Martin
Martin’s consumer protection research is long-term. In the coming year, she will survey and interview victims of misused data, specifically asking them what satisfactory outcomes they would seek as a result of data-privacy violations.
Her research will then involve analyzing existing legal remedies and solutions. Martin also plans to conduct a listening-tour to talk with private citizens, policymakers and businesses about data-privacy breaches and hurdles to adequate consumer protection.
Martin plans to draft a final report based on her research findings. The Center for Consumer Law and Education will use this whitepaper to engage the West Virginia legislature on data-privacy issues. She will also produce a list of best practices for state and federal lawmakers as they craft consumer protection bills addressing cybersecurity, data privacy and access to justice.
Martin hopes to present her findings at the United Nations during their annual Forum on Business and Human Rights.
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