Group asks FCC to make websites honor do-not-track requests
IDG News Service Jun 15, 2015 9:25 AM

A consumer rights group wants the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to address growing online privacy concerns by requiring websites to honor do-no-track requests.

Consumer Watchdog filed a formal petition on Monday calling for new FCC rules forcing companies like Google, Facebook, Pandora and Netflix to respect do-not-track requests from a visitor's browser.

While some websites do honor the requests, there'��s no regulation requiring them to do so, and many do not, noted John Simpson, Privacy Project director at the organization. Many available tools for online users block targeted advertising based on online tracking, but don'��t block data collection, he said. Specific regulations that require websites to honor a do-not-track request and spell out penalties if it'��s not “are essential,'�� he said.

Internet service providers may have new privacy rules to comply with after the FCC reclassified broadband as a regulated, common-carrier service in the agency'��s net neutrality regulations, passed earlier this year, Simpson noted. But websites and Web-based services, sometimes called edge providers, have no such privacy regulations, he said.

It'��s '��just not right'�� to make ISPs comply with new privacy rules when much of the data collection online comes from edge providers, Simpson said.

'Consumers'�� privacy concerns about the Internet extend far beyond the broadband providers who are impacted'�� by new net neutrality rules, Consumer Watchdog wrote in its petition to the FCC. '��Many consumers are as concerned '��or perhaps even more worried' ��about the online tracking and data collection practices of edge providers.'

Consumer Watchdog pointed to a survey about privacy published in May by the Pew Research Center. Ninety-three percent of respondents in the survey said it was important for them to be in control of who can get information about them.

Consumers are concerned about the digital dossiers being assembled as they surf the web, often without their knowledge and consent, Consumer Watchdog wrote to the FCC.

The FCC has the authority to create do-not-track rules for edge providers because a provision in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the agency to monitor whether broadband is being deployed across the country in a timely manner, and to take immediate action if it is not, Consumer Watchdog said. By acting on privacy concerns from consumers, the FCC can '��bolster the rate of broadband adoption,'�� the group said.

In late 2010, staff with the FCC'��s sister agency, the Federal Trade Commission, recommended a national do-not-track list that would prohibit websites and advertising networks from following Web users'�� movements online. In a follow-up report from 2012, the FTC called for online companies to regulate their own tracking activities.

Internet industry groups have generally opposed proposed do-not-track regulations, saying new rules are unnecessary. Industry self-regulation, and tools provided by websites and other organizations, have given Web users control over their privacy, they have argued.

Three industry groups advocating for self-regulation didn’t immediately respond to requests for comments on the Consumer Watchdog proposal.

mightymoe asked >>>
so why is it a problem if a website tracks you?

mightymoe posted >>>
i see, so your against ads tailored for you? you like the generic ads better?

'Consumers'�� privacy concerns about the Internet extend far beyond the broadband providers who are impacted'�� by new net neutrality rules, Consumer Watchdog wrote in its petition to the FCC. '��Many consumers are as concerned '��or perhaps even more worried' ��about the online tracking and data collection practices of edge providers.'

Consumer Watchdog pointed to a survey about privacy published in May by the Pew Research Center. Ninety-three percent of respondents in the survey said it was important for them to be in control of who can get information about them.

Consumers are concerned about the digital dossiers being assembled as they surf the web, often without their knowledge and consent, Consumer Watchdog wrote to the FCC.

Youre reading selectively. I said it's not clear cut. I'm not going to repeat myself so I'll give you some examples of the difference between use and abuse of targeted advertising.

Use: say I like golf. I watch golf videos on YouTube, I travel to famous courses when I can afford a vacation. I buy golf gear online and participate in golfing forums. When I check my email I see ads for courses and golfing equipment along with the broader scope from large companies that pay millions every quarter for advertising. Ford Home Depot Tide etc. This is okay.

Abuse: say one of my old highschool buddies challenges me to place better in a golf tournament. I have a wicked sense of humor so I hop on eBay and make a or time purchased of 20 ballgags to put in his golf bag. Good prank and worth every dime to watch him struggle to explain it to other golfers.

Only now every time my (hypothetical, im not married nor do I have kids) wife or kids do Google searches or check email they see ads for bsdm sex toys pornography etc.

It's just like guns, depending on how they are used can be great or horrible.
We don't want or need vague blanket legislation. Without advertising paying for it we wouldn't have the internet we have today. The largest library the world has ever known.

mighty might spewed>>>
think what you want, old, but i really just don't give a damn... i thought i would ask why you thought it was a bad thing, but that was my mistake... keep on protecting the world, i guess it makes some sense to someone like you...

Why a reply garners such angest rejoinder from you...well it's beyond me
To "someone like me" and the other respondents on the PEW SURVEY...yes - it makes perfect makes perfect sense...hence the reason I brought the topic in here If you aren't concerned about those unknown humans compiling data about you - what you read - what you enjoy - what gifts you research for family & friends - GREAT!!!

But to ASSume that our/my objections have any thing to do with erotica...well when you can't handle a honest reply or you don't like the answer you seem incapable of anything but RUDE & CRUDE replies to your own POV

If trying to communicate causes you so much vitriolic reaction...perhaps avoiding adult discussions altogether would be beneficial... just say'n

Mingle2 is the only site I visit.

If mingle2, wants to track me visiting mingle2, they're more than welcome to it.

mighty might spewed>>>
think what you want, old, but i really just don't give a damn... i thought i would ask why you thought it was a bad thing, but that was my mistake... keep on protecting the world, i guess it makes some sense to someone like you...

mightymouth spewed >>>
blah, blah, blah... are you that senile you can't comprehend common english? don't forget, old one, you started this... or are you that old you can't remember your smart *** replies?

we? like i said, i could care less... maybe you should buy your homo erotica gear in person from now on? that would solve your delima...

And what you 'SPEWED' at GermanChocolate >>>


POINT PROVEN and gored by your own 'PETARD'...well done little one - well done indeed!
It's sad how immediate the vitriol fills your POV when the ability to communicate like an adult locks up that brain function!

Even seek treatment for your problem??? **rhetorical question**
The 'NON-CARING' goes both ways! And you've been hanging around here since 2006---seems logical