Online Privacy Addressed By NJ Legislature

Under legislation advanced by a New Jersey Assembly panel this week, a web campaign would be created to inform young people about online privacy and social media responsibility.

A-2933 directs the state Department of Law and Public Safety to operate a website with information about how to protect one’s privacy on the Internet, how to use social media responsibly and protect one’s privacy while using social media, and the potential negative consequences of failing to protect one’s privacy or failing to use social media responsibly.

The Department, perhaps by hiring someone, would need to produce instructional videos on how to use the privacy settings on popular websites and social media platforms.

“Many young people use social media, but don’t really understand the information and images they share online lives in perpetuity,” said bill sponsor Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D). “Educating our kids about the perils of sharing personal information online will help them make better decisions about what is and what is not appropriate for the web.”

“Social sites allow us to connect with friends and family around the world, but they can also be breeding grounds for predators,” said Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D), a fellow sponsor of the measure. “This campaign will help our young people make responsible decisions and avoid the dangers that lurk online.”

The bill was released 11-0 by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee and now heads to the full Assembly for further consideration.