Internet Safety News and Information: Common Sense Media Launches .

Common Sense Media Launches New Website

By Emily Ensign

Emily Ensign is a regular blogger for theInternet Keep Safe Coalition, an arrangement that gives parents, educators, and policymakers the data and tools that empower them to instruct children the good and intelligent use of technology and the Internet.

Considering how much we are all online-and how much information we part on the Internet-it`s not surprising that online privacy is such a hot topic with lawmakers now. In fact, some people find that it`s long overdue.

This week, the Obama administration called for legislation to protect consumers` privacy, and Senator John Kerry is drawing a privacy bill of rights with the back of John McCain.

And only a few years ago, Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass. and Rep. Joe Barton (R-Ennis/Arlington) introduced the "Do Not Track Kids Act of 2011." This bill amends the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998, updating the provisions relating to the collection, use and revelation of children's personal information, and establishes new protections for personal data of children and teens.

"Today, I am proud reach across the gangway and connect with Rep. Markey to formally introduce the Do Not Track Kids Act of 2011," said Rep. Barton. "I think that every American has the right to take what they consider to be better for themselves and their children. But oft times in our digital world that good is doomed because your personal data is collected and stored without you ever knowing.

"This charge is a first tone in putting consumers back in control. It lets you live what types of data are being collected about your kids online and how it is being used. If you don't like what you learn - you leave now let the confidence to transfer it with only the chatter of a mouse."

Because the fence around online tracking of kids continues to escalate, Common Sense Media has launched a new website specifically to be a forum for parents, teachers, and others who care about kids to take their voices heard.

"We're only getting started with the site, but we desire it will be a way for parents and others to let policymakers and industry leaders know how they look about online tracking of kids," said Alan Simpson, Vice President of Insurance for Common Sense Media. "The debate going on is really important, and it is essential that parents` voices are office of it."

Visitors of www.DoNotTrackKids.org can forward links to their friends, "like" it on Facebook, and reach their specific representatives in congress. Also, visitors should keep checking back because the website will proceed to ameliorate and grow with time.