FTC Backs 'Do Not Track' Option to Protect Online Privacy

A Federal Trade Commission report addressing the protection of consumer privacy online offered a number of recommendations, including the adoption of a "Do Not Track" option for Web browsers.

The FTC says the report, Protecting Consumer Privacy in an Era of Rapid Change: A Proposed Framework for Businesses and Policymakers, seeks to balance the need for consumer privacy with the development of Web-based products and services, which often rely on the use of data gleaned from online consumer behavior.

The proposed "Do Not Track" mechanism entails a Web browser option that would allow consumers to choose whether to allow businesses to monitor their online searching, browsing and shopping habits.