Congressman introduced 'Do Not Track Kids Act' legislation to protect online privacy of children and teens
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and former chairman of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, released the following statement commending the Federal Trade Commission report “Mobile Apps for Kids: Current Privacy Disclosures are Disappointing”.
 
“I applaud the Federal Trade Commission for their attention to the issue of children’s privacy and mobile applications. This report rightfully identifies the lack of information available to parents prior to downloading mobile applications for their kids and provides common-sense recommendations to application developers, stores and the mobile device industry for improving disclosure policies and practices. Parents need information so they can make informed decisions about their children.
 
“Children and teens increasingly use an array of mobile apps and new services that did not exist when the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act was enacted in 1998. Last year, I introduced the ‘Do Not Track Kids Act’ with Congressman Joe Barton to bring COPPA up to date and add additional safeguards for children and teens in the mobile environment. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move forward our bipartisan 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.”
 
Rep. Markey wrote to the FTC in February 2011 requesting more information about possible consumer protection issues related to “in-app” purchases, especially as they relate to children and teens.
 
In May, Reps. Markey and Joe Barton (R-Texas) introduced the H.R.  “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. Specifically, the legislation’s “Digital Marketing Bill of Rights” stipulates that web sites, online apps operators and operators of mobile apps directed to teens clearly explain why they need to collect the data to operate the app or service, requires them to collect only as much information as necessary, and ensure that the data is safeguarded.
 
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