Online Tracking Back Under Senate Microscope

In the USA, the FTC appears once again to be pondering the idea of an online 'Do Not Track' option for consumers, along the lines of existing Do Not Call legislation.

The idea was proposed by privacy groups as long ago as autumn 2007. FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz raised the possibility during a Senate Commerce hearing on online consumer privacy on Tuesday this week, and a report is expected in a few months' time.

One proposal would require companies to summarise the key items of their privacy policies up front so that they can't use reams of small print to hide controversial sections. Leibowitz said most consumers did not read online privacy policies.

Those working on legislation include former Presidential candidate John Kerry, D-Mass., who has worked in the area for a number of years and said in a statement 'We have learned a great deal more about this issue over the past decade and working together I believe we will successfully enact this legislation next year.'

The discussion indicates that industry initiatives aimed at self-regulation are not convincing legislators.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.