NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] Danger: Washington politicos piling onto the "do-not-track" bandwagon
Danger: Washington politicos piling onto the "do-not-track" bandwagon
http://j.mp/kFlI0w (This message on Google Buzz)
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Internet privacy: Lawmakers offer new proposals allowing consumers to
stop online tracking
http://j.mp/k2hoTg (L.A. Times)
"The push for new laws to protect online privacy -- particularly the
ability of websites to track people's movements across the Internet --
gained momentum Friday as key lawmakers said they would propose new
legislation."
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This is showing more and more signs of a possible
politically-motivated technology train wreck, as politicians attempt
to mandate simple "fixes" for complex technological issues.
Beyond the aspects I discussed a few days ago in:
Do-Not-Track, Doctor Who, and a Constellation of Confusion (White Paper)
http://j.mp/kklr7o (Lauren's Blog)
I'll very briefly add two points for now.
1) The sorts of "simple" (?!?) data deletion mechanisms that the
politicians seem to have in mind would appear to require a
*tighter* binding of user identity to data than would normally be
the case for aggregated personalization methodologies. In other
words, such requirements could paradoxically require the collection
of *more* specific data tied to individuals, in order to allow for
individually authenticated data deletion, vs. aggregated data
models that do not require maintaining such detailed linkages.
Insane.
2) Tougher requirements for parental consent and associated
authentication would seem to carry a high likelihood of invoking
age-related ID authentication, which could ultimately be a backdoor
means for government mandating of authenticated, non-anonymous
access to Web sites. Combined with increased government mandated
data retention, the possibilities for government abuse of such
comprehensive data could be highly significant.
Do not view this topic at face value. I urge careful consideration of
possible ulterior motives by some proponents and/or ill-considered and
dangerous second order effects.
More to come.
--Lauren--
Lauren Weinstein (lauren@vortex.com): http://www.vortex.com/lauren
Co-Founder: People For Internet Responsibility: http://www.pfir.org
Founder:
- Network Neutrality Squad: http://www.nnsquad.org
- Global Coalition for Transparent Internet Performance: http://www.gctip.org
- PRIVACY Forum: http://www.vortex.com
Member: ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy
Blog: http://lauren.vortex.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenweinstein
Google Buzz: http://j.mp/laurenbuzz
Tel: +1 (818) 225-2800 / Skype: vortex.com