SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Today, Common Sense Media CEO James Steyer issued the following statement regarding Facebook’s letter to Representatives Edward Markey and Joe Barton, which addressed the sharing of addresses and phone numbers of Facebook users with third-party applications:

“We commend Facebook for giving consumers more control over how their personal contact information is shared with third-party developers. However, the fact that Congressional pressure was needed to change Facebook’s policy is another reminder of the need for comprehensive online privacy protections, especially for kids. Facebook is already a leader in innovation. We hope they will also become a leader in helping to protect the online and mobile privacy of their users.”

The Common Sense Media Privacy Campaign launched in October 2010 with a challenge for industry, policymakers, educators and parents to protect kids’ privacy online. For more information about the campaign, including the new policy paper Protecting Our Kids’ Privacy in a Digital World and results from Common Sense Media’s nationwide poll of parents and teens, visit www.commonsense.org/privacy.

About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: www.commonsense.org.

Press Contact
Marisa Connolly
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415-553-6703