Tighter Online Privacy Rules - A Must

There are high expectations that consumers will enjoy the benefits of tighter online privacy rules by the end of 2012. Many companies have signified their willingness to adopt the final recommendations set forth as best practices in privacy protection. By backing tighter online privacy laws, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is confident that consumers’ data will not be abused. It is anticipated that consumers will be able to benefit from new services without sacrificing their privacy.

For a start, companies are already working to include privacy protection into every project that they have. Attention is being given on how people’s data is kept safe and in controlling how much information is collected. Consumers are being put in control by giving them the option to decide what information about them is to be shared. This can be achieved if there is a “Do Not Track” system that can be used by consumers in order to control the tracking of their activities.

How can tighter online privacy rules help internet consumers? The beginning of all these privacy issues is due to the large number of privacy violations. Consumers are not aware that their online activities are being tracked. They also do not know what happens after their personal data is collected. It is either used directly, or sold to other companies. Most important of all, they do not know that there are ways of protecting their privacy.

This is why U.S. regulators are insisting that an easy-to-use tool that really works for consumer protection is put in place on internet companies. Some companies responded positively and promised to cooperate. The rest are still holding on to their belief that too much control will kill innovation and eventually, the business. There is a possibility that a favorable, final agreement will be reached among internet companies.

The government wants the data miners to give more respect to consumer privacy. Innovation should not only continue, but should also be encouraged because it promotes creativity and boosts the economy. However, it is not right to compromise privacy rights just because consumers do not have the tools to protect themselves. It must be remembered that tighter online privacy rules are meant to protect both consumers and internet businesses.
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