WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member and former chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee and current Co-Chairman of the Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus, released the following statement today following the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) announcement of a settlement with a mobile application developer regarding violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the FTC’s COPPA Rule. In February, Rep. Markey wrote to the FTC with concerns about how mobile applications are being promoted and delivered to consumers, particularly with respect to children

“As the House author of COPPA, I am pleased that the Federal Trade Commission pursued and brought charges against a mobile applications developer that was collecting and disclosing personal information about children under 13 in apparent violation of COPPA. Since COPPA was signed into law in 1998, children increasingly connect to the Internet on the go, using an array of mobile apps and new services that did not exist when the law was enacted. Earlier this year, I introduced the ‘Do Not Track Kids Act’ with Congressman Joe Barton to bring COPPA up to date and add additional safeguards for teens. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move forward our bi-partisan bill so that we can provide strong protections for children and teens, enabling them to learn, communicate and enjoy entertainment in a safe online environment.”

In May, Reps. Markey and Joe Barton (R-Texas) introduced the “Do Not Track Kids Act of 2011”, legislation that amends COPPA to extend, enhance and update the provisions relating to the collection, use and disclosure of children’s personal information. The legislation also establishes new protections for the personal information of children and teens.