Letter to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook
Letter
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."
BREAK AND TRANSCRIPT
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.
The full text of the letter follows:
Mr. Mark Zuckerberg
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Facebook
1601 S. California Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Dear Mr. Zuckerberg:
We are disappointed that Facebook has declined our invitation to brief Members of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus. Given Facebook's widespread use by children and teenagers, as well as its recent settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over privacy violations, we felt that it was important for Facebook to participate in this briefing. Facebook's participation would have enabled members of the Privacy Caucus, and the public, to hear the details of the FTC settlement agreement and about how it protects the online privacy of children and teens.
Although Facebook has refused to participate, we will proceed with this briefing. Prominent stakeholders in the area of children's online privacy will participate and provide their perspectives to Caucus members.
We look forward to continuing to communicate with Facebook an are hopeful that the company will participate in a Caucus briefing in the near future.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Markey Joe Barton
Co-Chairman Co-Chairman
Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus
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