FTC wants to fight tracking cookies with other cookies, create delicious sugary warfare

We're not sure that fighting fire with fire actually works outside of the metaphorical realm, but don't let us tell the FTC how to do its thing. The federal body, which recently told Google "it's all good" after the company apologized for stealing people's private infos, is now asking for social networking sites and browser developers to create a sort of "do not track" cookie system. If this cookie was present the sites would not capture a user's browsing habits and not deliver customized ads, a cookie that would be created and enabled by a simple browser button. As of now the FTC is not mandating anything, but did deliver this passive-aggressive threat:

With respect to 'do not track,' we are giving companies a little time, but we'd like to see them work a lot faster in making consumer choice a lot easier.

So there you have it: start playing nice, companies, or the FTC might possibly do something. Meanwhile, we might possibly eat the cute looking gingerbread man in the middle up there. He sure looks tasty.

[Image courtesy of Fagles]

FTC wants to fight tracking cookies with other cookies, create delicious sugary warfare originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 08:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink ars technica  |  FTC  | Email this | Comments

EASTMAN KODAK CO EARTHLINK DST SYSTEMS DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES DIODES INORATED