There's been a lot of talk in the past few weeks about online privacy, thanks in part to claims that Google has been trying to circumvent the privacy controls of Apple's Safari and Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browsers. Today, the Obama Administration has revealed its plans for what it calls the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights. Its main focus will be to help people have more control over what kind of personal information is transmitted and used by Internet companies.
The press release announcing the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights includes word that a number of companies have agreed to at least some of the document's ideas. Specifically, the press release states:
... leading Internet companies and online advertising networks are committing to act on Do Not Track technology in most major web browsers to make it easier for users to control online tracking. Companies that represent the delivery of nearly 90 percent of online behavioral advertisements, including Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, and AOL have agreed to comply when consumers choose to control online tracking. Companies that make this commitment will be subject to FTC enforcement.
The Obama Administration has stated it will work with Congress to create laws that will be based on the ideas contained in the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights. They include allowing more transparency to Internet users about companies' privacy policies.
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