Las Vegas, NV - Today Democratic Attorney General candidate Chris Kelly participated in a panel discussion at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Association Conference (CES). Kelly, former Chief Privacy Officer for Facebook, spoke to some of the world's leading technology publishers, researchers and reviewers during the Implementation Meets Innovation panel at the Kids@Play Summit at CES.

The discussion focused on the development and implementation of innovative technologies to enhance safety, privacy, and security. Of particular concern to audience members at the Kids@Play Summit is how government can protect the privacy and safety of children who actively use social networking sites and the Internet. Kelly and the other panelists discussed the availability of innovative tools and hi-tech resources to federal, state and local governments, which would significantly improve accountability and efficiency.

“Technology is creating a huge transformation in our world, with one of its most profound effects in the areas of criminal justice and public safety,” said Kelly.

Kelly referenced his time at Facebook, where he designed and implemented Facebook’s privacy and security efforts, to make it a safer and more secure place for young users, as well as helping to crack down on Internet-based consumer fraud and identity theft. While at Facebook, Kelly worked side by side with Attorneys General in all 50 states to develop safeguards to protect children from sexual predators. His work with the Attorneys General generated a national call-to-action, working together with law enforcement to deter and prosecute predators. As a result, it made for a safer and more trusted online experience for young Facebook users eager to use the site to connect with friends and impact social change.

“Unfortunately, predators and scam artists can use the Internet to coordinate across state and national boundaries, and as Attorney General, my office would be dedicated to becoming the most effective cybercrime fighting force in the country working with other state, federal, and international authorities to tackle these issues. I will incorporate a detailed understanding of the law and public policy with an awareness of how they can be enhanced and improved with the application of technology, fresh ideas, and innovative solutions,” said Kelly.

Later in the day, Kelly participated in another panel discussion focusing on how both government and the social media industry can work together to be more accountable and transparent in regards to individual privacy and security in this new decade.

“Innovations in media, entertainment, and the Internet have forever revolutionized the way people of all ages live on a daily basis. I am running for AG in part because I believe that same kind of innovative technology can be used to greatly improve government services and public safety," said Kelly.

Recently, Kelly launched his technology plan, Innovation First: Using Technology to Fight Crime. The plan proposes how to best implement technological tools that can reduce crime, keep violent offenders off the streets, protect our children, and provide local law enforcement with the necessary resources to fight crime.

For example, one of his first priorities as California Attorney General will be to improve forensic technology in California’s regional laboratories, ensuring that they have cutting-edge technology for complex crime scene investigation and analysis.