Google concurs to permit ‘Do-Not-Track’ Button in Browser

Feb 25, 2012, by admin

Google Inc. will permit a “do-not- track” button to be inserted in its Web browser, letting users control the amount of data that can be gathered about them.

The world’s most popular search engine will link with other Web companies to support the anti-tracking plan, which stops an individual’s browsing history from being used to tailor ads, according to an e-mailed statement today.

“We’re pleased to join a broad industry agreement to admire the ‘do-not-track’ header in a steady and significant way that presents users choice and clearly clarified browser controls,” Google Senior Vice President of Advertising Susan Wojcicki said in the statement.

Google, based in Mountain View, California, joined the proposal as the Obama administration revealed plans to give consumers more control over their personal information online. Congress should ratify a privacy bill of rights for Web users, the administration said in a report released today.

exposures about potential privacy vulnerabilities during the past year have urged calls from regulators and lawmakers in Washington for stronger defenses of personal data online and on Internet-connected mobile devices.

Google announced plans on Jan. 24 to unite privacy policies for products including YouTube videos and Android software for mobile phones, saying it will make simpler conditions that users agree to.

Buyer Data

Google and Facebook, the world’s leading social network, are among Web companies facing inspection over their handling of consumer data used to power an online ad market planed to reach $39.5 billion in the U.S. this year, according to eMarketer Inc., a New York-based research firm.

The White House report sets broad principles for the use of personal information that comprise giving consumers control over what data is gathered on them and how it is used; offering understandable privacy policies; and handling consumer data securely. The Commerce Department will meet with companies and privacy advocates to develop charitable standards for businesses based on the principles.