Social networking and Internet websites gather a lot of information about individuals who use their services.
For example, we see how the data compiled by Facebook helps advertisers target members who are more likely to use their products. Facebook says, advertisements on user’s profiles are “tailored to individuals based on how they and their friends interact and affiliate with the brands, artists, and businesses they care about.”
Because of this, U.S. Sen. and Chairman of the Commerce Committee Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) reintroduced his Do Not Track Online Act.
He says, according to WebProNews.com reports much of the information collected by companies are without their customers’ knowledge or consent and that “consumers should be empowered to make their own decision about whether their information can be tracked and used online.”
Adweek reports, the bill would give consumers the ability to prevent online companies from tracking them on the web and using that information for profit.
The bill was first introduced in May 2011, but it never made it out of Rockefeller’s committee.
Should companies be prohibited from using information collected on websites for a profit?