TrueRep: Around the Web Posted Mon, April 16th by TrueRep in News, Online Privacy, Reputation Management
As social platforms become a bigger part of people’s lives, schools begin to debate which teacher-student social online interactions are appropriate. Some states have already created policies to address these concerns. For example, Missouri tried to prohibit teachers from befriending their students on social networks, however this legislation was repealed in favor of a revised version.
‘Do Not Track’ Web Browser Option Gains Steam
Government regulators in the United States and Europe are currently requesting the online advertising industry to adopt the “do not track” Web browser option. While some browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Safari and Firefox already offer this function, there is no consensus on how much privacy the option entails.
Opinion: In The Digital Age, Everyone Is Becoming a Spook
A recent poll published by the American magazine Consumer Reports determined that 71% of adults are concerned about Internet companies abusing their personal information. While this poll is a good representation of how many individuals fear abuse of their information by private companies, it fails to reveal people’s concern of governmental abuse of the same information.
Privacy is Important – But Not an Antitrust Issue 
While it makes sense that the ads individuals see pop up on their computers reflect their interests, there is a growing number of individuals getting concerned about online companies collecting consumer data. The demand from consumers for strong privacy protections, greater transparency and more control has significantly increased, therefore calling for privacy legislation. Both Rep. Blackburn and Sen. Franken are erroneously suggesting that there is an antitrust aspect to privacy and innovation. The law is clear in this area: privacy is not an antitrust issue.
