Proposed Law Would Prohibit Web Collection of Data on Kids

Rep Ed Markey (D-MA) plans to propose legislation that, if passed, would go well beyond current federal law that requires websites aimed at children under 13 to obtain parental permission before collecting personal information such as kids' names or email addresses.

Markey's staff is working with Common Sense Media, a non-profit that rates movies, television shows, websites and other content aimed at kids. In addition to prohibiting the tracking of kids, the group supports developing an "eraser button" that would allow children and teens to delete information they have posted online about themselves. The group also favors a ban on "behavioral marketing" to kids—ads targeted at children based on their online activities. "For many kids today, the Internet is like online oxygen," says Rep. Markey. "To ensure that kids are protected, I plan to introduce legislation next year that will include a 'Do Not Track' requirement so that kids do not have their online behavior tracked or their personal information collected or profiled. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this legislation forward."