SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Today, Common Sense Media CEO James Steyer issued the following statement regarding the Federal Trade Commission’s suggested updates to the COPPA rule to protect kids’ online privacy:
“We applaud the Federal Trade Commission and Chairman Leibowitz for their proposed COPPA rule changes. Parents – not social networks or marketers – should absolutely remain the gatekeepers when it comes to their children’s online privacy. The FTC’s suggested updates to the COPPA rule are an important step toward balancing privacy concerns and the paramount rights of children and families while still encouraging the growth of innovation by the tech industry. We’re especially glad the FTC recognizes that, in today’s smartphone world, online privacy protections for kids and teens must extend to all apps and mobile platforms as well. With more than 7.5 million Facebook users under the age of 13, we hope these COPPA revisions will be implemented and enforced as soon as possible. We look forward to working with the FTC, Chairman Leibowitz, and others on additional common sense solutions that further empower parents and protect kids’ fundamental right to privacy, not to mention their social, emotional, and cognitive well-being.”
For more information about the Common Sense Media Privacy Campaign, visit www.DoNotTrackKids.org.
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 Contacts
Marisa Connolly
mconnolly@commonsense.org
415-553-6703
Julia Plonowski
jplonowski@commonsense.org
415-553-6728
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