He praised an approach by panel chairman John McCain, an Arizona Republican, who would require commercial Web sites to provide consumers with clear and conspicuous notice of their information collection practices. Co-sponsors include Democrats John Kerry of Massachusetts and Barbara Boxer of California and Republican Spencer Abraham of Michigan. Under the legislation, the Federal Trade Commission would enforce the disclosure and notice requirements. The 50 states' attorneys general could also enforce the disclosure standard. With opt-in, Web sites tell online visitors what would be done with their personal data, including possible resale, and visitors make the decision to go along or go away.
Online technology allows far-reaching profiling of private behavior.
Congress began moving on the issue in earnest after the Federal Trade Commission sought new powers in May to police commercial Web sites. McCain said the Commerce Committee would hold more privacy hearings in January or February, in the next session of the new Congress. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Web Copyright 2001 ABC News Internet Ventures.