Web Browsing Privacy

The crackdown on Web browsing privacy is resulting in a tense situation between advertisers and the public. In addition to restricting third-party cookies, several Web browsers now provide functionality to limit tracking by online advertisers. The US government has even suggested that a Do Not Track (DNT) list be created that would prohibit Web sites and advertising networks from monitoring a Web surfer's actions. This could allow for greater privacy and perhaps better security. Based on the national Do Not Call list that is designed to prevent telemarketers from making telephone calls to homes, DNT would allow users to sign up for this protection. Because it could not be implemented by users signing up based on their computer's IP address (because it can frequently change on a computer), another proposal is to have a persistent opt-out cookie, meaning that if a specific piece of code similar to a cookie is present on a user's computer, then it would indicate a user's agreement to be tracked or not.

However, online advertisers have responded by saying that their ads "pay the bills" for Web sites, and to restrict tracking would be like requiring television programs to eliminate commercials or magazines to stop accepting print advertisements. The end result would be a dramatic change in browsing. Users who accept tracking would see all of the Web site's material, while those who opt out would only see more generalized content. Some Web sites may begin to charge customers a monthly fee to read their full content.

Should tracking be restricted? Would you sacrifice viewing your favorite Web sites in return for no tracking? Should Web sites be able to restrict the content that you view based on your choices regarding tracking? If this is not the only solution, what would you propose?

In each discussion board assignment, you must do at least one post with a minimum of 200 words or more to the question and one reply to at least two other posts for a total of three posts for the week.   The replies must move the conversation forward and cannot be "I agree" or "good job" type of posts. The initial post must be created by the third day of this week so your peers don't have to wait until the last day to complete this assignment. Points will be deducted if you post on only one day. Post on a minimum of two different days.