Last week, the FTC made two interesting announcements. The first, which is sure to raise some eyebrows, was a proposal to tighten the restrictions under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act
(COPPA). The second is that Steven M. Bellovin, a Columbia University professor, will be taking over the role of Chief Technologist at the organization. We look forward to hearing his insights and seeing what he has to write on the
FTC Tech Blog.
In non-FTC related privacy news, the W3C has
announced its preference for compromise on Do Not Track. Darrin Shamo, director of direct & online marketing at Zappos, seems to
agree with them.
FTC proposes tougher kids privacy rules – The Washington Post –
The Federal Trade Commission said Wednesday it is considering online privacy rules that would make it harder for advertisers and social networks to collect information about children without permission from parents.
FTC Announces Appointments to Agency Leadership Positions – FTC Press Release – Professor Bellovin will advise the agency on evolving technology and policy issues.
A Time for Compromise on Do Not Track – W3C
Do Not Track is a major point of discussion for marketers – Direct Marketing News – The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Tracking Protection Working Group, a consortium of companies and individuals that drafts guidelines for marketing on the Web, has been in talks about “Do Not Track” (DNT), but little, so far, has been resolved.
Big Data Knows What You’re Doing Right Now – Time (video link at end of article) – Eight lawmakers are demanding that these companies crack open their vaults so Congress can see what they’re compiling about us and what they’re doing with it.
