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For Immediate Release
December 18, 2001 - Today, a group of leading consumer and citizens organizations released a new online privacy resource called the ConsumerPrivacyGuide at http://www.consumerprivacyguide.org
As co-sponsors of the site, the Center for Democracy and Technology, the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, Consumer Action, National Consumers League, Common Cause and Call For Action announce the launch of ConsumerPrivacyGuide.org. While many of these organizations maintain that online privacy legislation is needed to protect consumers, they also believe that in addition to law consumers need information that empowers them to take control of their privacy. The new site presents information, how-to tips and resources in a consumer-friendly way.
The site responds to online privacy concerns expressed by consumers. The co-sponsors of the site see information as a critical tool for individuals who want to take control of the way their personal information is collected and used. Ken McEldowney of Consumer Action said, "'Consumer Action welcomes the opportunity to co-sponsor the web site. It provides consumers with the essential privacy information they need to protect themselves when using the Internet."
The site targets Internet users of all levels of experience and age groups. Shirley Rooker, President of Call For Action, noted the site's straightforward, consumer-friendly approach. "ConsumerPrivacyGuide provides excellent privacy information in an easy-to-understand format," she said. "It should prove very valuable to both new and long-time web users who are concerned about privacy."
Paula Bruening, Staff Counsel of the Center for Democracy and Technology, emphasized that the site empowers computer users to take control of their privacy. "Legislation and technological tools are essential to strong privacy protection. But equally important is the well-informed consumer. ConsumerPrivacyGuide.org provides the information necessary to help consumers take charge of their privacy."
Common Cause President Scott Harshbarger echoed the importance of empowering citizens. "We're partnering in ConsumerPrivacyGuide.org because we want to put power back where it belongs - in the hands of citizens," he said. "This site lets citizens sit in the drivers seat, and gives them the information they need to make informed decisions about who gets access to their personal information."
Susan Grant, Vice President for Public Policy at the National Consumers League added, "This new Web site provides consumers with objective information about steps they can take - right now- to have at least some control of the way information about them is collected and used."
As Beth Givens, Director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, put it, "Safe navigation of the web requires knowing the lay of the land. The ConsumerPrivacyGuide provides information to help consumers avoid the bumps in the road."
Contact: Paula Bruening, Center for Democracy and Technology, (202) 637-9800
Ken McEldowney, Consumer Action, (415) 777-9648
Jeff Cronin, Common Cause, (202) 833-1200
Holly Anderson, National Consumers League, (202) 835-3323
Shirley Rooker, Call For Action, (301) 657-8260
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The Center For Democracy & Technology |