Communication law, privacy to be discussed at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — Two legal experts will discuss electronic communication’s impact on Minnesota’s open-meeting law and data-privacy standards Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Saint Mary’s University.

The event, which is planned for 7 p.m., will be held in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in the SMU Performance Center.

Presenters will be Mark Anfinson, an attorney for the Minnesota Newspaper Association, and Laurie Beyer-Kropuenske, director of the information policy analysis division of the Minnesota Administration Department.

Anfinson and Beyer-Kropuenske will review recent court rulings that relate to communication law and data privacy. Other topics to be addressed include:

• Whether existing communication laws are still relevant to new communication technologies and practices;

• Ways in which technology has changed expectations about privacy;

• Citizens’ access to government data; and

• New legislation improving citizen access to government records.

The event, free and open to the public, is being held in conjunction with Constitution Day.

For more information, contact Steve Schild, associate professor of the SMU Mass Communication Program, at (507) 457-1753.