FTC - Do Not Track - WickedFire - Affiliate Marketing Forum

Jon · 12-01-2010, 03:15 PM

Just released under an hour ago...

Quote:

FTC Staff Issues Privacy Report Offers Framework for Consumers, Businesses, and Policymakers

Endorses “Do Not Track” to Facilitate Consumer Choice About Online Tracking

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s chief privacy policy and enforcement agency for 40 years, issued a preliminary staff report today that proposes a framework to balance the privacy interests of consumers with innovation that relies on consumer information to develop beneficial new products and services. The proposed report also suggests implementation of a “Do Not Track” mechanism – likely a persistent setting on consumers’ browsers – so consumers can choose whether to allow the collection of data regarding their online searching and browsing activities.

“Technological and business ingenuity have spawned a whole new online culture and vocabulary – email, IMs, apps and blogs – that consumers have come to expect and enjoy. The FTC wants to help ensure that the growing, changing, thriving information marketplace is built on a framework that promotes privacy, transparency, business innovation and consumer choice. We believe that’s what most Americans want as well,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz.

The report states that industry efforts to address privacy through self-regulation “have been too slow, and up to now have failed to provide adequate and meaningful protection.” The framework outlined in the report is designed to reduce the burdens on consumers and businesses.

“This proposal is intended to inform policymakers, including Congress, as they develop solutions, policies, and potential laws governing privacy, and guide and motivate industry as it develops more robust and effective best practices and self-regulatory guidelines,” according to the report, which is titled, “Protecting Consumer Privacy in an Era of Rapid Change: A Proposed Framework for Businesses and Policymakers.”

Leibowitz added that the FTC, in addition to making policy recommendations, “will take action against companies that cross the line with consumer data and violate consumers’ privacy – especially when children and teens are involved.”

The FTC staff developed the proposed framework in recognition of increasing advances in technology that allow for rapid data collection and sharing that is often invisible to consumers. Although many companies use privacy policies to explain their information practices, the policies have become long, legalistic disclosures that consumers usually don’t read and don’t understand if they do. Current privacy policies force consumers to bear too much burden in protecting their privacy.

To reduce the burden on consumers and ensure basic privacy protections, the report first recommends that “companies should adopt a ‘privacy by design’ approach by building privacy protections into their everyday business practices.” Such protections include reasonable security for consumer data, limited collection and retention of such data, and reasonable procedures to promote data accuracy. Companies also should implement and enforce procedurally sound privacy practices throughout their organizations, including assigning personnel to oversee privacy issues, training employees, and conducting privacy reviews for new products and services.

Second, the report states, consumers should be presented with choice about collection and sharing of their data at the time and in the context in which they are making decisions – not after having to read long, complicated disclosures that they often cannot find. The report adds that, to simplify choice for both consumers and businesses, companies should not have to seek consent for certain commonly accepted practices. It is “reasonable for companies to engage in certain practices – namely, product and service fulfillment, internal operations such as improving services offered, fraud prevention, legal compliance, and first-party marketing,” the report states. “By clarifying those practices for which consumer consent is unnecessary, companies will be able to streamline their communications with consumers, reducing the burden and confusion on consumers and businesses alike.”

One method of simplified choice the FTC staff recommends is a “Do Not Track” mechanism governing the collection of information about consumer’s Internet activity to deliver targeted advertisements and for other purposes. Consumers and industry both support increased transparency and choice for this largely invisible practice. The Commission recommends a simple, easy to use choice mechanism for consumers to opt out of the collection of information about their Internet behavior for targeted ads. The most practical method would probably involve the placement of a persistent setting, similar to a cookie, on the consumer’s browser signaling the consumer’s choices about being tracked and receiving targeted ads.

The report also recommends other measures to improve the transparency of information practices, including consideration of standardized notices that allow the public to compare information practices of competing companies. The report recommends allowing consumers “reasonable access” to the data that companies maintain about them, particularly for non-consumer facing entities such as data brokers. Finally, FTC staff proposes that stakeholders undertake a broad effort to educate consumers about commercial data practices and the choices available to them.

The vote approving the preliminary staff report was 5-0, with Commissioners William E. Kovacic and J. Thomas Rosch issuing concurring statements. Public comments on the report will be accepted until January 31, 2011. To file a public comment electronically, please click here and follow the instructions.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Peter Kaplan
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2334

STAFF CONTACT:
Christopher Olsen
Bureau of Consumer Protection
202-326-3621

Source URL:
FTC Staff Issues Privacy Report Offers Framework for Consumers, Businesses, and Policymakers

Otinsdale · 12-01-2010, 04:44 PM

I think you need an opt in for your signature now...

Hyphen · 12-01-2010, 06:36 PM

FTC moves ahead with 'Do-Not-Track' - Direct Marketing News

Quote:

The Federal Trade Commission called for the implementation of a universal Do-Not-Track option that would allow consumers to opt out of all third-party online tracking and behavioral targeted advertising.

The FTC specifically suggests the Do-Not-Track mechanism take the form of an add-on to the browser, similar to a cookie. Consumers ultimately would be able to check a box that would transmit their preference to opt out of tracking to websites as they surf the Web. Companies would be held accountable for failing to honor the option the consumer chooses. The FTC said it hopes this will prevent consumers from the need to opt out on a company-by-company or industry-by-industry basis.

It would not build a Do-Not-Track registry on par with the Do-Not-Call registry.

Can we just LOL this off or is this a WTF moment?

dubbyah · 12-01-2010, 06:38 PM

'What an absurd concept. Let's tell brick and mortar stores to get rid of their inventory management and CRM databases of product sales and trends because it invades someones privacy for that data to be known! How about, if someone doesn't want to be "tracked", they don't access a company's published asset that cost the business money to build, i.e. the web property.

I mean, okay, you can check your box to opt out of tracking, but that also means you can opt the fuck out of visiting my website entirely because most 'free' pages' entire business model will revolve around this form of data.

I don't think there's any real point debating whether or not this is a good, or logical idea. It's obviously idiotic and my thoughts on it end there. I also really don't think it will materialize. Billions of dollars in corporate and electronic revenue would evaporate if it did.

Also, since when is behaviorally targeted advertisements a bad thing? I think if the consumer had the choice they would PREFER to be shown targeted and contextually relevant ads to their interest rather than diaper ads on a firearm enthusiast website.

Sonny Forelli · 12-01-2010, 07:02 PM

if only google had balls and would simply redirect opted out users trying to use ANY of their services to a black page with flickering tv esque "fuzz" or "snow" on it and a cryptic message about b/c the consumers were fucking douches they may no longer use google sites/services this whole thing would vanish in a few hours.

how ridiculously dumb, it's as if Leibowitz has nothing better to do than play captain save a ho with things I doubt anyone on his staff even comprehends.

jeffrey · 12-01-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubbyah

Also, since when is behaviorally targeted advertisements a bad thing? I think if the consumer had the choice they would PREFER to be shown targeted and contextually relevant ads to their interest rather than diaper ads on a firearm enthusiast website.

That's my thought entirely. Targeted Advertisements are both good for the consumer and companies.

invisible777 · 12-01-2010, 07:36 PM

....andddd the government attempts to poke its nose into and regulate another facet of private business all under the guise of "consumer protection".

Mr Jacksonian · 12-01-2010, 07:45 PM

Im not following this. GET AT ME FEDS

turbolapp · 12-01-2010, 07:51 PM

Does anyone else see the irony of an agency supported by a government who is constantly invading our privacy, forcing an absurd measure against noninvasive data collection? How bout we start with halting the forced fonding and radiation therapy at the airports, first?

MJP10 · 12-01-2010, 07:52 PM

Quote:

What an absurd concept. Let's tell brick and mortar stores to get rid of their inventory management and CRM databases of product sales and trends because it invades someones privacy for that data to be known! How about, if someone doesn't want to be "tracked", they don't access a company's published asset that cost the business money to build, i.e. the web property.

Exactly!

Hyphen · 12-01-2010, 07:58 PM

My bad on the retoast, Jon.

DanielQ · 12-01-2010, 08:19 PM

Yay! big government!

eliquid · 12-01-2010, 08:42 PM

fuck ftc, im still gonna track

-God- · 12-02-2010, 03:46 AM

Hello Evercookie, where have you been all my life?

BGray · 12-02-2010, 06:56 AM

The Feds are so cute. This is like my 2 year old daughter saying she's going to replace the transmission on my car. No clue.

mGrunin · 12-02-2010, 07:29 AM

Fuck the FTC. Now I'm going to start backtracing my visitors.

djt1102 · 12-09-2010, 08:58 PM

wow the ftc can suck it, hopefully this doesnt actually happen

benq99 · 12-10-2010, 04:34 AM

I hate FTC!!!!!

DKPMO · 12-10-2010, 04:56 AM

Dear FTC,

Kindly FUCK OFF.

Sincerely

Tradewinds · 12-10-2010, 09:14 AM

As usual when big government gets involved they over reach and end up making our business lives even more difficult. Unfortunately there are so many people scamming people and abusing the internet that new rules were certain to follow. To run a professional business and build for the long term, this is the new reality and it will be in your best interest to play by the rules.

fm1234 · 12-10-2010, 01:14 PM

Finally managed to trudge through the whole report linked on the FTC press page. Typical garbage, and I seriously doubt that it will go anywhere without being significantly watered down.

Frank

lukep · 12-10-2010, 08:35 PM

It can't go anywhere.

At some point they will be forced to do a cost-analysis comparison on businesses making these changes & they'll see that this is going to cost too much to implement.

stacykohlman · 12-10-2010, 08:44 PM

lukep is right. It's like the Feds trying to stop movie piracy. After cost analysis they give up even for large companies. There isn't much they can do. Resource after resource.

acidie · 12-18-2010, 10:49 PM

How do they expect to enforce this against non-american companies.

Hyphen · 01-25-2011, 02:14 AM

Mozilla Proposes ?Do Not Track? Addition To Firefox - International Business Times

lukep · 01-25-2011, 02:20 AM

^From the article:

"When the feature is enabled and users turn it on, web sites will be told by Firefox that a user would like to opt-out of [online behavioral advertising]."

Ommitted from the article:

"But then the website says FUCK YOU!"

Mightier · 01-27-2011, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acidie

How do they expect to enforce this against non-american companies.

How do they propose to enforce this law against ANY website? As someone said above, it is impossible not to track users. Fuck, SERVER logs are technically tracking... so now servers cannot log what people connected to them do?

This is another well-intentioned idea that has been proposed by a government that is run by people who just don't fucking understand the internet or how it works. Fuck the FTC and good luck suing any website over this bullshit.

music4mic · 01-27-2011, 08:58 PM

someone should write a script that automatically redirects anyone who opts out to ftc.gov

Would love to see those bastards shut down for a few days until changed their minds.

DKPMO · 01-27-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by music4mic

someone should write a script that automatically redirects anyone who opts out to ftc.gov

Would love to see those bastards shut down for a few days until changed their minds.

I'd rather redirect them to Make Money Online

aaronklaw · 01-28-2011, 01:07 PM

Whats funny is, the same arguments that were used against having a universal "do not email" list are applicable here. Just think how much a database of "clean" information like this would be worth. This is just a terrible idea.

BlueYonder · 03-03-2011, 09:29 AM

Speaking of tracking, it gets worse than online. One of my FB friends posted this today: "It's a little creepy. The day after I go to the Fricke and stand before the portrait of Cromwell, I get this email from Amazon saying wouldn't I like to order this new book...?[about Cromwell]"

Apparently, Amazon is keeping tabs on her museum visit, and who knows what else they're watching? I think this is totally out of bounds.

marketermac · 03-04-2011, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubbyah

Also, since when is behaviorally targeted advertisements a bad thing? I think if the consumer had the choice they would PREFER to be shown targeted and contextually relevant ads to their interest rather than diaper ads on a firearm enthusiast website.

Maybe if this is how the 'do not track' bit was worded. But every consumer is going to see it as a 'oh, so you mean my wife won't find out when i look at the porn on the internets, opt out away'. How many average internet users actualy know what the tracking does? Xmas at my rents is always 'while you're here can you delete my cookies so I don't get a virus' talk. Most people are retarded when it comes to the internet, and would opt out in a second if the FTC 'reccommended' it.

12-01-2010, 04:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
Otinsdale Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: nyc Posts: 840 iTrader: 51 / 100%	I think you need an opt in for your signature now... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-01-2010, 06:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
dubbyah Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 378 iTrader: 2 / 100%	'What an absurd concept. Let's tell brick and mortar stores to get rid of their inventory management and CRM databases of product sales and trends because it invades someones privacy for that data to be known! How about, if someone doesn't want to be "tracked", they don't access a company's published asset that cost the business money to build, i.e. the web property. I mean, okay, you can check your box to opt out of tracking, but that also means you can opt the fuck out of visiting my website entirely because most 'free' pages' entire business model will revolve around this form of data. I don't think there's any real point debating whether or not this is a good, or logical idea. It's obviously idiotic and my thoughts on it end there. I also really don't think it will materialize. Billions of dollars in corporate and electronic revenue would evaporate if it did. Also, since when is behaviorally targeted advertisements a bad thing? I think if the consumer had the choice they would PREFER to be shown targeted and contextually relevant ads to their interest rather than diaper ads on a firearm enthusiast website. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-01-2010, 07:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sonny Forelli Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Liberty City Posts: 2,256 iTrader: 2 / 100%	if only google had balls and would simply redirect opted out users trying to use ANY of their services to a black page with flickering tv esque "fuzz" or "snow" on it and a cryptic message about b/c the consumers were fucking douches they may no longer use google sites/services this whole thing would vanish in a few hours. how ridiculously dumb, it's as if Leibowitz has nothing better to do than play captain save a ho with things I doubt anyone on his staff even comprehends. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-01-2010, 07:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
invisible777 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,322 iTrader: 2 / 100%	....andddd the government attempts to poke its nose into and regulate another facet of private business all under the guise of "consumer protection". Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-01-2010, 07:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mr Jacksonian CHICAGOOO BITCH! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 395 iTrader: 3 / 100%	Im not following this. GET AT ME FEDS Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

12-01-2010, 07:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
turbolapp Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Houston, TexASS Posts: 8,335 iTrader: 7 / 100%	Does anyone else see the irony of an agency supported by a government who is constantly invading our privacy, forcing an absurd measure against noninvasive data collection? How bout we start with halting the forced fonding and radiation therapy at the airports, first? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Workflowy Best Free Organizational App. Period.

12-01-2010, 07:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
Hyphen Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 413 iTrader: 3 / 100%	My bad on the retoast, Jon. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-01-2010, 08:19 PM	#12 (permalink)
DanielQ Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 231 iTrader: 9 / 100%	Yay! big government! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-01-2010, 08:42 PM	#13 (permalink)
eliquid wut Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 4,846 iTrader: 61 / 100%	fuck ftc, im still gonna track Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ . . Order The Dirty Sanchez Now Spam and Quality Link Diversity Done Right

12-02-2010, 03:46 AM	#14 (permalink)
-God- Here be Dragons Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,176 iTrader: 4 / 100%	Hello Evercookie, where have you been all my life? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-02-2010, 06:56 AM	#15 (permalink)
BGray Like A Good Salve Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: HTown Posts: 18 iTrader: 1 / 100%	The Feds are so cute. This is like my 2 year old daughter saying she's going to replace the transmission on my car. No clue. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-02-2010, 07:29 AM	#16 (permalink)
mGrunin Face Value Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NY, US Posts: 1,809 iTrader: 6 / 100%	Fuck the FTC. Now I'm going to start backtracing my visitors. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________

12-09-2010, 08:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
djt1102 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Los Angeles, Rome Posts: 16 iTrader: 1 / 100%	wow the ftc can suck it, hopefully this doesnt actually happen Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-10-2010, 04:34 AM	#18 (permalink)
benq99 CPA $$$$$$$$$ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: LA Posts: 58 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I hate FTC!!!!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-10-2010, 09:14 AM	#20 (permalink)
Tradewinds Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 3 iTrader: 0 / 0%	FTC over reach As usual when big government gets involved they over reach and end up making our business lives even more difficult. Unfortunately there are so many people scamming people and abusing the internet that new rules were certain to follow. To run a professional business and build for the long term, this is the new reality and it will be in your best interest to play by the rules. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-10-2010, 01:14 PM	#21 (permalink)
fm1234 WF Mega Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,414 iTrader: 10 / 100%	Finally managed to trudge through the whole report linked on the FTC press page. Typical garbage, and I seriously doubt that it will go anywhere without being significantly watered down. Frank Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

12-10-2010, 08:44 PM	#23 (permalink)
stacykohlman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 583 iTrader: 208 / 100%	lukep is right. It's like the Feds trying to stop movie piracy. After cost analysis they give up even for large companies. There isn't much they can do. Resource after resource. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ *http://www.wickedfire.com/links-seo/108595-seo-vip-list-600c-class-ips-redhatseo-blogpost-1800-links-drip-ver-6-9-serp-smasher.html*

12-18-2010, 10:49 PM	#24 (permalink)
acidie A=A Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 217 iTrader: 2 / 100%	How do they expect to enforce this against non-american companies. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Pinterest Bot

01-25-2011, 02:14 AM	#25 (permalink)
Hyphen Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 413 iTrader: 3 / 100%	Mozilla Proposes ?Do Not Track? Addition To Firefox - International Business Times Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

01-28-2011, 01:07 PM	#30 (permalink)
aaronklaw Law Ninja Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 539 iTrader: 9 / 100%	Whats funny is, the same arguments that were used against having a universal "do not email" list are applicable here. Just think how much a database of "clean" information like this would be worth. This is just a terrible idea. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter

03-03-2011, 09:29 AM	#31 (permalink)
BlueYonder Flaming panties Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Central N00bistan Posts: 2,230 iTrader: 32 / 100%	Speaking of tracking, it gets worse than online. One of my FB friends posted this today: "It's a little creepy. The day after I go to the Fricke and stand before the portrait of Cromwell, I get this email from Amazon saying wouldn't I like to order this new book...?[about Cromwell]" Apparently, Amazon is keeping tabs on her museum visit, and who knows what else they're watching? I think this is totally out of bounds. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter __________________ Better copy = More sales I write sales copy that moves the numbers. Review thread here Try Article Marketing Robot FREE

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