Glushko-Samuelson Intellectual Property Law Clinic students Zach Engleman, Marielena Reyes, Hailie Ingman, and Spencer Sanders filed comments with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in response to its request for public comment on proposed privacy policy principles that seek to advance consumer privacy while also protecting American prosperity and innovation.

The comments were submitted on behalf of Common Sense Media, which is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the privacy rights of children and teens and helping them navigate and thrive in a world of media and technology. Common Sense Media empowers parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing them unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools for families to make smart media choices.

Common Sense Media’s comments support NTIA’s general principles to protect privacy and control data collection and use, but argues that any future privacy laws, regulations, or principles that fail to account for children and teens will leave our most vulnerable population with inadequate protections. Currently, federal and state privacy legislation does not cover all teens under 18, for example, the federal Children’s Online Privacy Act (COPPA) only protects children 12 and under.

Further, the Comments explain that children, teens, and their parents can adequately exercise control over their sensitive information when companies clearly describe their privacy practices, such as how they collect, use, disclose, and maintain information, in a manner that is accessible and understandable.

The Glushko-Samuelson Intellectual Property Clinic looks forward to continuing to assist Common Sense Media as they work with the NTIA and other stakeholders on these issues.

Click here to view the comments.