A suggestion outlining suggested online privacy standards was released Wed by the Federal Trade Commission. Part of the FTC privacy program recommends a “do-not-track” choice for web browsers and social media websites. A universal do-not-track choice is viewed as the most efficient way to protect online privacy.
The FTC online privacy proposal
The do-not-track recommendation is part of an FTC online privacy proposal open to public remark until Jan. 31. In a press conference Wednesday, FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz told reporters that the privacy plan is outside the agency’s regulatory authority and it is intended as a guide for best practices to be considered by companies and lawmakers. The FTC feels like there needs to more privacy measures implemented to keep the public informed because they are the ones that bear the burden if something goes wrong. The FTC is trying to find feedback on how a do-not-track mechanism should be offered and what the result might be if a lot of people choose to use it.
Existing do-not-track possibilities
There are current do-not-track choices accessible, but the one the FTC is trying to implement would be one used across the board. You will find already many styles of privacy browsing in place such as Internet Explore 8's "InPrivate Browsing," Google Chrome's "Incognito" mode, and Firefox's, "Private Browsing." However services like Adobe's "Flash Cookies" still collects browser data for private companies to market certain ads. Facebook has also been pushing privacy limits by offering members’ personal info to 3rd party online websites.
FTC trying to safeguard people
The FTC online privacy proposal could be interpreted as a warning to Internet companies to clean up their privacy acts faster rather than later or the government will do it for them. The FTC might suggest some form of standard be mandatory if this problem can't be fixed by the companies as outlined by Leibowitz. The web is a “deeply disturbing shopping mall” where each move you make is recorded. At least that is how legislators felt at a conference on internet privacy earlier this year.
Citations
ZDnet
zdnet.com/blog/btl/ftc-calls-for-do-not-track-list-new-policies-to-protect-online-privacy/42278
PC World
pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2373681,00.asp
Ars Technica
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/07/congress-ponders-privacy-of-your-underwear-immortal-soul.ars
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