The idea, known as “Do Not Track,” and modeled on the popular “Do Not Call” rule that protects consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls, is simple. But the details are anything but.
Although many digital advertising companies agreed to the idea in principle, the debate over the definition, scope and application of “Do Not Track” has been raging for several years.
Now, finally, an industry working group is expected to propose detailed rules governing how the privacy switch should work. The group includes experts but is dominated by Internet giants like Adobe, Apple, Facebook, Google and Yahoo. It is poised to recommend a carve-out that would effectively free them from honoring “Do Not Track” requests.
Could this be a solution in search of a need? Does the vast majority of internet visitors really care that they are being tracked after they leave certain sites?
I know I'm not normal (because my wife keeps telling me that). But it doesn't bother me that the gizmo I looked at on Amazon keeps popping up in ads as I move from site to site.
As far as I know, tracking cookies do not contain personally identifiable information about me. But if I were greatly concerned about loss of privacy from tracking cookies, I would take steps myself to prevent my own data loss. It's not like the government (any government) has a great record in protecting personal information.
The DNT is just an excuse for another set of rules and of course the necessary government bureaucracy to administrate the policies. If it does become law, would it work any better than the do not call rules mentioned in the post?
