The FTC Report misconstrues the state of privacy protection in the industry. It is essential that sites bear a clear privacy notice and that the FTC enforce companies' adherence to that notice. However, the all-encompassing nature of the FTC report's recommendations for legislation are inappropriate. I would support federal legislation that goes no farther than regulation of privacy notices. The FTC presently has proper authority under the FTC's Section 5 enforcement authority and other existing laws.
Privacy is a complex issue.
The government currently possesses appropriate enforcement authority and industry is working with government to protect consumer confidence in the Internet through appropriate privacy protections. The FTC report does not adequately take into account the ongoing efforts of industry to protect its consumers. Companies like Yahoo and Doubleclick are working hard to protect consumer privacy. Existing laws and Section 5 authority provide the FTC with enforcement powers. It is inappropriate that most Americans cannot understand privacy policies.