Rep. Johnson sends Google letter expressing concern about data sharing practices, privacy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04)sent a letter to Larry Page, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Google, regarding Google’s data sharing practices for apps purchased through Google Play.

When consumers purchase an app through Google Play, it’s been reported that Google sends their personal information – their name, physical address, and email address – to the app developer.  Sharing this information with developers is unique to Google Play and does not occur in other mobile marketplaces.  Because this information includes a physical address, it potentially threatens the physical and financial safety of consumers while chilling speech and criticism online. 

Congressman Johnson referred to the mobile economy as “one of the fastest growing industries in recent memory.”  But Congressman Johnson also noted that we must strike a balance between innovation and responsibility when broad data sharing gives rise to consumer harm: “Congress’ strong interest in preventing consumers’ privacy rights from being violated is equal to the interests of the mobile ecosystem in building consumer trust,” Johnson said.

Through AppRights – a bottom-up mobile privacy initiative – Congressman Johnson has heard from many consumers who want greater transparency, control, and security on their mobile devices.

To read the letter, click HERE.

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