Published: May 10, 2011
Do-Not-Track Online Act
By Marcella Glenn
Senator Jay Rockefeller introduced a pro-consumer bill on Monday to protect online privacy. This Do-Not-Track Online Act of 2011 requires the FTC to regulate collection and use of consumer's information gathered through tracking online. It applies to online mobile activities too.
The Do-Not-Track Act allows individuals to opt out of online tracking, and the Act specifies that companies make it simple for people to block tracking.
"Do Not Track" tools have been put into browsers such as Bing and Firefox, but Rockefeller's Act would create a universal legal obligation for online companies to stand-by consumer's wishes about privacy.
The FTC will be in charge of determining the rules and evaluating how feasible implementing the Act will be, given the existing technology and costs required.
The Federal Trade Commission along with the state attorneys general will be in charge of enforcing the act, and making sure consumer requests are honored as well as passing-out any fines necessary. The maximum for civil actions is $15,000,000.
Marcella Glenn is a freelance writer, blogger, novelist, and former business editor. She looks forward to hearing from you. Scribble a note to her through NewsBlaze, or her blog at critiqueandwrite.blogspot.com
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