Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus to host Congressional briefing to discuss “Do Not Track Kids Act” and protecting children and teen privacy online
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus and co-Chairmen Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Joe Barton (R-Texas) will host a public briefing this Wednesday on protecting the privacy of children and teens online with special guest Nick Cannon, actor, comedian and host of “America’s Got Talent”.  He will be joined by stakeholders and experts to discuss how to protect children and teens when they are on the Internet and the tools that parents should have to ensure their children are safe and their information is not tracked or used against them. Stakeholders, including Kathryn Montgomery, Ph.D., an expert on media and protection of kids online, also will attend the briefing to answer questions about industry practices.
 
The event is open to the public, Members of Congress, congressional staff and the press.
 
What: Congressional Briefing on Protecting Children and Teen Online Privacy
 
Who:
·         Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)
·         Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas)
·         Nick Cannon, entertainer and spokesperson for Safe Communications
·         Kathryn Montgomery, Ph.D., Professor at American University
 
When: Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 11 a.m.
 
Where: 2237 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington D.C.
 
In May, Reps. Markey and Barton introduced the “Do Not Track Kids Act of 2011 ”, bipartisan legislation that strengthens online safeguards for children and teens and updates the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998. The bill prohibits Internet companies from sending targeted advertising to children and teens and collecting personal and location information without parental or individual consent.  This legislation also would require website operators to have an “eraser button” capability that enables the deletion or elimination of information about children and teens. The bill currently has 30 co-sponsors from both parties.
 
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