There has been an on-going debate surrounding internet privacy, much like the telemarketing debate about whether consumers should have the option to opt out of receiving these calls.  The American government’s top consumer protection agency has set up a plan that will allow consumers to choose whether or not they want their buying habits and internet browsing monitored.

.
They have suggested a “do not track” system similar to the “do not call” list available to telemarketers. This would enable the consumer to take charge of what information outsiders may find about them. This system, whilst useful for consumers, will have a negative impact on online marketers, as they make use of this information to create personalised and focused adverts.

.
The consumer protection agency’s plan is not only to curb direct marketing but also to prevent third parties that use technology to follow your online activity and then sell the information to other organisations without your knowledge or consent.

.
The consumer protection agency’s plan recommends that companies present consumers with a more streamlined, easy to use option to opt out as well as reasonable access to data which has been collected. The plan is currently being reviewed by the major browser makers including Google, Microsoft and Mozilla.

.
This plan, which is detailed in a 79 page report, will be open for comments and recommendations by the public as well as industry over the next two months.
Source: New York Times ; Image source: Peak Chat