Markey, Barton Release Discussion Draft of Their "Do Not Track" Kids Online Privacy Leg

Press Release

Co-Chairmen of the Bi-Partisan Congressional Privacy Caucus Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) today released a discussion draft of their children's online privacy legislation. Entitled the "Do Not Track Kids Act of 2011", the draft bill amends the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 to extend, enhance and update the provisions relating to the collection, use and disclosure of children's personal information and establishes new protections for personal information of children and teens.

"For millions of kids today, the Internet is their new 21st century playground -- they learn, play, and connect with others every day," said Rep. Markey. "The Internet presents a wide array of opportunities to communicate and access entertainment that were unimaginable only a few years ago. But kids growing up in this online environment also need protection from the dangers that can lurk in cyberspace. Unfortunately, "Where the Wild Things Are' can apply to the 21st century Internet and the beloved children's book.

"That's why to ensure that kids are protected, I am releasing this discussion draft of the 'Do Not Track Kids Act of 2011' so that kids do not have their online behavior tracked or their personal information collected or used without permission," said Markey. "I look forward to hearing from stakeholders about this important legislation and working with my colleagues to move the bill forward."

"Times have changed since Congress passed the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act back in 1998," said Rep. Barton. "The Internet has transformed into an invaluable educational, research and entertainment tool, but with the good comes the bad.

"Every day we hear of new accounts of consumers' personal information being mishandled and misused including our most vulnerable population -- children," continued Barton. "We have reached a troubling point in the state of business when companies that conduct business online are so eager to make a buck, they resort to targeting our children. I strongly believe that information should not be collected on children and used for commercial purposes.

"I have continually supported legislative initiatives seeking to increase the protections for all consumers," concluded Barton. "I believe that it is imperative to ensure that consumers' personal and private information remains personal and private. I understand that gathering some information from consumers is necessary when conducting business online, however it is never acceptable to abuse that information. The Do Not Track Kids Act of 2011 is a bill that makes protecting our children a priority, and I believe that this is a great first step in consumer privacy."

Source