Friday Poll: Will the Privacy Bill of Rights matter?
Obama's Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights is designed to address online privacy issues, but wary Web users aren't sure if it will have a real impact.
I have this strange feeling that I'm being watched. Gmail is hinting in an ad that I should consider self-publishing that novel I'm working on. Thesaurus.com seems to know exactly which jackets I looked at recently on Backcountry.com.
The Obama administration's recently unveiled Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights is supposed to tip the balance of power back to Web users. It gives them the right to control what data is collected, how it is used and shared, and to have that data secured. Enforcement information, however, is still sketchy.
The document is expected to be used as the basis for new privacy legislation.
Online privacy is a sizzling topic in light of Facebook privacy missteps, Google's consolidation of privacy policies, and sneaky data collection by mobile apps.
There are signs that major tech companies won't kick and scream against the idea. Google, AOL, Microsoft, and Yahoo are committing to Do Not Track technology for Web browsers. That's the sort of technology that will keep Thesaurus.com from serving me up with ads for jackets I looked at.
Consumer advocates are cautiously praising the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights, but we're seeing some skeptics among CNET readers.
Do you believe this bill and future legislation will make a difference when it comes to online privacy? Vote in our poll and tell us why or why not in the comments.