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Privacy Groups Want Online ‘Do Not Call’

‘Do Not Track’ would bar companies from targeting ads

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 31, 2007 3:59 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Consumer and privacy advocates have proposed a voluntary online “Do Not Track” list that would bar companies from monitoring web traffic for the purpose of targeting ads. Modeled on the popular “Do Not Call” list, which blocks phone telemarketers, the new proposal wouldn’t outlaw ads altogether, the Post and Times report, but would disallow the use of behavioral data.

The FTC will take up the recommendation, though it doesn’t currently control online privacy policies. An advertisers' trade group does offer users an “opt-out cookie,” but only 20% of ad networks belong—and advocates claim it isn’t tracking-proof. Another proposal to the FTC would allow consumers to modify their profiles: football lovers, for example, could correct data pegging them as golf enthusiasts.

Google sign inside their headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., Tuesday, May 15, 2007. The Federal Trade Commission has opened an antitrust investigation into Google Inc.'s proposed $3.1 billion purchase of ad-management technology company DoubleClick Inc. The review of the deal was widely expected after Mountain View-based Google announced...
Google sign inside their headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., Tuesday, May 15, 2007. The Federal Trade Commission has opened an antitrust investigation into Google Inc.'s proposed $3.1 billion purchase...   (Associated Press)
Brian P. McAndrews, left, CEO of aQuantive,and Microsoft's Kevin Johnson address a brief news conference, in this May 18, 2007 file photo, in Seattle. In closing a $6 billion buyout of digital marketing company aQuantive on Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, Microsoft is taking a first step in its quest...
Brian P. McAndrews, left, CEO of aQuantive,and Microsoft's Kevin Johnson address a brief news conference, in this May 18, 2007 file photo, in Seattle. In closing a $6 billion buyout of digital marketing...   (Associated Press)
An America Online trailer is seen at the AOL headquarters complex in Dulles, Va., Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. AOL is reducing its global work force by 2,000 employees, or 20 percent, as it continues a transition from Internet access provider to online advertising company. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
An America Online trailer is seen at the AOL headquarters complex in Dulles, Va., Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. AOL is reducing its global work force by 2,000 employees, or 20 percent, as it continues a transition...   (Associated Press)
A man looks at an E-bay online site in Hong Kong, 27 August 2007...
A man looks at an E-bay online site in Hong Kong, 27 August 2007...   (Getty Images)
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AOL will let users opt-out of targeted ads
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Tetridia

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golf • online advertising • privacy • telemarketing • football • FTC • Do Not Call list • Do Not Track list

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