Shining the privacy spotlight

 

latest developments

A privacy group prepares to present policy-makers at a global summit with guidelines to regulate "Web bug" use, while Amazon and Microsoft struggle with privacy policy concerns. "Privacy policies are generally vague, often contradictory and confusing." - Sarah Andrews, EPIC policy analyst

Microsoft quietly shadows Web surfers Days after acknowledging a privacy problem with its browser, Microsoft says its privacy policy does not say how it identifies people who travel across its network of Web sites. Privacy groups criticize new Amazon policy The company's new privacy policy could put customers at risk, according to two watchdog groups that have recently cut ties with the online bookseller. Privacy advocates write Web bug rules A privacy group issues a new set of industry guidelines to regulate the use of invisible technology that keeps tabs on Web site visitors. U.S. on defensive at global privacy summit The U.S. policy of industry self-regulation for privacy comes under fire from attendees representing five continents at a privacy summit in Washington, D.C.