These days, online privacy is always a topic for debate. Last week, Congress was presented with two new bills intended to protect online users’ privacy. Although a step in the right direction, security and privacy groups say the bills aren’t enough.
Online Privacy Bills
The first bill was presented by Senators John Kerry and John McCain and offers online users more control over their tracking and browsing histories. With this bill, users can opt out of having their online usage and information tracked. For those companies that collect information, the bill will put privacy protection in place for the users, limiting what information the companies can collect and use.
The second bill is a bit more vague and presented by Rep. Cliff Stearns. This bill puts a structure in place that educates consumers on the way their information will be used. This easy-to-understand language will leave behind ambiguities and put online users in-the-know.
Do Not Track Features
These two bills are steps in the right direction, but online privacy groups say that they’re incomplete and only the beginning to an extensive problem. Already, there are “do not track” options on many of the updated browsers, including Microsoft 9, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, but it’s still unclear as to how the details of these settings are being handled.
For example, online privacy advocates fear that not all online companies are adhering to the “do not track” protocol, tracking online use regardless. Others worry that the “do not track” feature is too general and doesn’t specifically limit sensitive data collection, such as health and financial records.
How Information is Used
So how is online information used in the first place? By tracking online usage and history, companies collect this data and sell it to third parties, that then use the information to drown you in online advertisements. It’s no wonder why the computer knows you’ve had your heart set on a new pair of Uggs or tickets to your favorite band!
Opting-In to Data Collection
Although much of online privacy focuses on limiting what information companies can collect from users, there are situations where collecting this data can prove beneficial. Advocacy groups state that there should be modifications to the bills to reflect opt-in choices that allow limited information to be collected. After all, it’s not all bad when your computer knows you better than you know yourself! Plus, you can be connected with relevant information that can better your existence, such as location-specific news or health care.
