Blame online businesses... more than a year ago, the FTC warned them to implement a very simple set of rules governing personal data: allow users to control how their information is used, allow them to choose whether to disclose it, and allow them to both see it and and ensure its accuracy. The plan was to let the internet community regulate itself... one of the 'net's founding principles. But very few businesses chose to follow the government's advice. Now it seems, regulation is likely. :25
Millions of Americans have given up personal information to online businesses... with very few assurances about how the data will actually be used. Go visit your favorite web site and see if they have a privacy policy. Chances are they don't and are busy selling your name, home *and* email address, and phone number to dozens of direct marketers. :45
And to make matters worse, many companies are collecting information from children without any safeguards in place. Some of the web sites that do have privacy policies bury them deep at the bottom of pages where no one is likely to see them. All of this despite the efforts of trade groups like the Direct Marketing Association, Truste, and The Online Privacy Alliance.:55
I can't say I am thrilled by the idea of the government regulating the net. So far they've shown little more than ignorance about how the internet actually works -- note the recent attempts to ban gambling and pornography online. But more distressing is the mind- boggling disregard shown by major US corporations for the rights of web surfers. 1:10
The commoditization of my personal history has always been a scary thing, and technological advances just make it all the more attractive for marketers to buy and sell me. But there are some subtle changes happening around the net as we start to learn that Europeans are demanding accountability from their businesses. That attitude is headed our way. If the US is going to participate with the European Union in some areas, we're going to have to tighten our control over the folks who trade on our purchase histories and subscription information. 1:40
While the internet poses a great opportunity for companies to make money... so far many of these companies haven't shown much restraint when it comes to abusing the rights of their customers, including children. And now that government action is imminent, some companies are asking for yet *another year* to get in line. Its too bad really, the net can be very good at self- regulation, and has the potential to actually give some of our lost privacy back. Now online businesses are going to be faced with even more regulations... and its their own fault. 2:05
Links:
FTC's action against GeoCities
Truste - List of Organizations that have strict privacy policies
The Direct Marketing Association
The Center for Democracy and Technology