MUMBAI: The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) of US and online social network Facebook are launching a new consumer education programme designed to provide teens and their parents with tools and tips to manage their privacy and visibility both on Facebook and more broadly on the internet.
The announcement was made by NAAG president and Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler during his Presidential Initiative Summit on "Privacy in the Digital Age".
Attorney General Gansler said, "Teenagers and adults should know there are tools to help protect their online privacy when they go on Facebook and other digital platforms. We hope this campaign will encourage consumers to closely manage their privacy and these tools and tips will help provide a safer online experience. Of course, attorneys general will continue to actively protect consumers‘ online privacy as well."
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg said, "At Facebook, we work hard to make sure people understand how to control their information and stay safe online. We‘re always looking for new partners in that endeavor - that‘s why we‘re thrilled to collaborate with the National Association of Attorneys General. We‘re grateful for Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler‘s leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working with him and attorneys general around the country. Together, we hope to ensure that young people make safe, smart, and responsible choices online."
State-specific public service announcements (PSA) with 19 attorneys general and Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg are being distributed. "What you Can Do to Control Your Information" introduces an Internet safety video answering top questions about privacy, bullying prevention and overall Internet safety. The PSA, video and a privacy tip sheet will be shared with consumers on Facebook, and on participating attorneys general Facebook pages and office websites.
"State laws need to be updated to reflect our modern era in which the very nature of privacy and personal information is changing. Attorneys general have before us an extraordinary opportunity to reorient our enforcement and advocacy efforts toward the unique privacy challenges posed by the digital economy." added Attorney General Gansler.
