The FTC is now asking for privacy regulations, and many in Congress agree that something has to be done. However, industry advocates are urging Congress to hold back and give businesses more time to develop good privacy practices. The FTC's vote to seek regulations was 3-2.
Privacy is a high-stakes issue for many online companies that collect and sell personal information.
If Congress mandates explicit consumer consent in order to share data with third parties, many business models could be hurt. For instance, if a Web site offered any type of access, such as allowing consumers to update their e-mail addresses, the survey scored the Web site as having access. Someone's stalking your directory. Computerworld Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Computerworld Inc. is prohibited.