U.S. Lawmaker Wants Consent Required For Web Tracking

Internet providers should be required to get their customers' permission before the companies are allowed to track their online visits, a key House lawmaker said Thursday. WASHINGTON - Internet providers should be required to get their customers' permission before the companies are allowed to track their online visits, a key House lawmaker said Thursday. Democratic Rep. Edward Markey, chairman of the House subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet, said broadband network operators should have to get "opt-in" permission from customers before using sophisticated technology that can track their movements online. Markey cited the sophistication of the technology being used, known as deep-packet inspection, as well as the technology's capability and the obvious sensitivity of the personal information that can be gleaned... [read full story]