Lawmaker also calls for FTC attention to changes that may affect teen users

Washington (September 11, 2013) - In the wake of Facebook's most recent updates to its privacy policy, Senator Edward J. Markey (DMass.), member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asking for its views about whether the changes are a violation of the settlement agreement between the Commission and the company. In August, Facebook proposed changes to its privacy policies that indicate consumers would automatically cede to Facebook the right to use their personal information, including names, faces, and other information, unless they expressly revoke permission. The settlement between Facebook and the FTC requires the company to obtain express affirmative consent from consumers before their information is shared beyond previously established privacy settings. In his the letter, Senator Markey also expressed concerns about the impacts of proposed changes on teens and called on the FTC to look at any changes that could harm young users. 

"This troubling shift in policy raises a number of questions about whether Facebook is improperly altering its privacy policy without proper user consent and, if the changes go into effect, the degree to which Facebook users will lose control over their personal information," writes Senator Markey in the letter to FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez.

A copy of Senator Markey's letter to the FTC can be found HERE . 

As a member of the House of Representatives, Senator Markey launched widespread ongoing investigations into online data privacy and security practices. Senator Markey has been a leader working to get answers from Facebook on privacy and security issues, including how it tracks users, targets advertising, utilizes facial recognition technology, and handles the information of teen users.

Contact: Giselle Barry (Markey) 2022242742