Congressman introduced Do Not Track Kids legislation to protect online privacy of children and teens

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Concerned about possible violations of consumers’ privacy, Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), co-Chairman of the Bi-Partisan Congressional Privacy Caucus, today asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the practices of software company Carrier IQ. Rep. Markey’s request follows news that Carrier IQ software installed on millions of smart phones and mobile devices is tracking every keystroke of users and sending the information back to the software company without user knowledge or permission. Rep. Markey’s letter asks the FTC to investigate the matter as a possible unfair or deceptive act or practice.

“I have serious concerns about the Carrier IQ software and whether it is secretly collecting users’ personal information, such as the content of text messages,” said Rep. Markey. “Consumers and families need to understand who is siphoning off and storing their personal information every time they use their smart phone. I am asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate this practice, and I will continue to monitor this important privacy issue.”   

A copy of the letter to the FTC can be found below.

Rep. Markey has been the Congressional leader on providing privacy protections for personal consumer information. The lawmaker has investigated the data privacy and security practices of Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and the four major wireless carriers and the Social Security Administration.

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