The principles are designed to give online users more control over how their personal information is used, the White House said in a statement. The Commerce Department will working companies, privacy advocates, and other stakeholders to develop and implement privacy policies based on the principles.
“American consumers can’t wait any longer for clear rules of the road that ensure their personal information is safe online. As the Internet evolves, consumer trust is essential for the continued growth of the digital economy. That’s why an online privacy Bill of Rights is so important. For businesses to succeed online, consumers must feel secure. By following this blueprint, companies, consumer advocates and policymakers can help protect consumers and ensure the Internet remains a platform for innovation and economic growth”, President Obama said in the releasing the privacy bill of rights.
In addition, advertising networks announced that internet companies and online advertising networks have committed to act on Do Not Track technology in most major web browsers to make it easier for users to control online tracking, the statement said. Companies that represent the delivery of nearly 90% of online behavioral advertisements, including Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, and AOL, have agreed to comply when consumers choose to control online tracking. Companies that make this commitment will be subject to FTC enforcement, the statement added.
The Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights is one of four elements of the White House's Consumer Data Privacy in a Networked World report, which also includes a stakeholder-driven process to specify how these rights apply in particular business contexts, strong enforcement by the FTC, and greater interoperability between the US privacy framework and those of international partners.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) praised the Obama administration's Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights as an important first step. “It’s very encouraging to see the Obama administration making this issue a priority. Americans need clear and distinct policies in place when it comes to the kind of access law enforcement and private companies have to their online information”, said Christopher Calabrese, ACLU legislative counsel.