Key lawmakers press Facebook on privacy concerns about user phone numbers and addresses

Reps. Joe Barton (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA), major congressional players on privacy issues, wrote to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg expressing concerns about the social networking site's plans to share user addresses and phone numbers with developers and websites.

“Facebook needs to protect the personal information of its users to ensure that Facebook doesn't become Phonebook," said Rep Markey, who co-chairs the Congressional Privacy Caucus along with Rep Barton and two senators. "This is sensitive data and needs to be protected.” The letter highlights the increased scrutiny Facebook is getting on Capitol Hill as lawmakers consider whether to update online privacy laws. Markey said he plans to introduce legislation that will include a requirement for a do-not-track mechanism so the online behavior and personal information of children won't be tracked.