What is Do Not Track?
March 27, 2012
Yesterday, we featured the FTC’s newly released privacy report, which outlines a framework for protecting privacy in the 21st Century. Among other recommendations, the report strongly supports Do Not Track, a mechanism that would allow you to choose what information is collected about your online activities and how it’s used.
To help illustrate the key characteristics of an effective Do Not Track mechanism, FTC staff developed a new infographic.
An effective Do Not Track mechanism would:
- allow you to limit data collection; you’ll be able to choose whether websites can collect data about your browsing habits and send you targeted ads.
- work on all sites; you won’t have to opt-out of tracking repeatedly on different sites.
- be easy to use; you will be able to find and use the opt-out mechanism quickly and easily.
- have staying power; your choice won’t be erased when you update your browser or delete cookies.
- be enforced; there will be consequences for websites that don’t honor your choice.
Blog Topic: Be Smart Online
Comments
"Do Not Track" is a great idea.
We do not now know Who is Tracking What.
Would like to be on 'no track.'
Great Idea!
What about {Tracking Is Forbidden By Law}.
That will be an ideal solution in theory but not in practice.
where can I find "do not track" program?
A universal Do Not Track program like the one described in this blog post is not yet available. Some internet browsers allow "private browsing" and other options to limit online tracking. In addition, many websites and ad networks allow people to opt out of tracking. For more info, you can read our article, Cookies: Leaving a Trail on the Web.
The Firefox Aurora has a addon available called DNT (do Not track) which is a free addon which lets you choose which sites you want to track you (if any) and blocks anyone else.
In my experience it is impossible to implement Do Not Track program described here. Privacy Act need to be updated to erect a permanent firewall against identity thieves and fraudulent internet scams.
Currently, I have not found a site to sign up for this. I consequently use a different technique for preventing tracking. It really only works currently for the Internet Explorer 9 browser. It's called "Tracking Protection". It works like an Access Control List does on a network router. Each type of tracking cookie must be specified in this list. Security companies like Abine for example publish these lists and allow you to download these where they are installed in the correct place within the browser and then activated automatically. Some companies will actually update this list! This has stopped almost all of the tracking cookies that got on my system before. It's EXTREMELY effective. I thank Microsoft for including this and other browsers are including this feature in their new browsers soon. In addition run security software that not only finds and terminates malware but also tracking cookies. There are several of these and they appear to work well! You'd be surprised how often ordinary websites you visit try to install third party tracking cookies even when your browser is set to not accept third party cookies! My Tracking Protection List really enlightened me on this! Stay safe!
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