New Bill Would Protect Kids From Marketers

A Congressman Has Concerns About Data Gathering in Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Privacy concerns in the classroom have prompted the introduction of a bill that would prevent schools from allowing students to participate in market research surveys without the consent of their parents.
The Student Privacy Protection Act, introduced last week by Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., also calls for a study of commercial involvement in the classroom. Miller is concerned that current privacy laws do not prevent companies from entering schools to gather data that is then sold to advertisers, who in turn use the information to target kids.
“Students go to school to learn, not to provide companies an edge in the hotly contested youth market,” Miller said, “but increasing numbers of companies are targeting schools as the best place to learn the purchasing preferences of young people.”
Miller cited three examples: students in a New Jersey elementary school who filled out a 27-page booklet,...