Former FTC Official to Head California Privacy Protection Agency

Ashkan Soltani has been named head of the California Privacy Protection Agency, which oversees enforcement of the state’s landmark privacy laws.

Soltani, formerly chief technologist of the Federal Trade Commission, began his role as executive director on Monday, the agency announced. In addition to enforcing the state’s California Privacy Rights Act, the agency is tasked with rulemaking and promoting public awareness of the statutes.

“We are thrilled to have Ashkan join the California Privacy Protection Agency,” said Jennifer Urban, the board’s chair, in a statement. “His background in technology and privacy, and his work on both the CCPA and the ...