Lawmakers invited social networking site to explain how it protects online privacy of children, teens

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Co-Chairmen of the Bi-Partisan Congressional Privacy Caucus Congressmen Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Joe Barton (R-Texas) expressed their disappointment with Facebook’s decision to decline their invitation to participate in a December 14 Caucus briefing on children and teen privacy. The lawmakers invited Facebook to share details with the public and the Caucus members about the company’s recent settlement with the Federal Trade Commission as well as how the company plans to the protect the online privacy of children and teens.

Despite Facebook’s refusal to participate, the briefing will be held as scheduled with prominent stakeholders in the area of children’s online privacy.
“We are disappointed that Facebook has declined our invitation to brief Members of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus,” wrote Reps. Markey and Barton in the letter to Facebook. “Given Facebook’s widespread use by children and teenagers, as well as its recent settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over privacy violations, we felt that it was important for Facebook to participate in this briefing.”

A copy of the letter to Facebook can be found HERE .

In May, Reps. Markey and Barton introduced the “Do Not Track Kids Act of 2011 ”, legislation that 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.  The legislation also establishes new protections for the personal information of children and teens.
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