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Title: ISPs: We Swear, We Won't Watch Your Every Move
Source: ChannelWeb
URL Source: http://www.crn.com/networking/210604191
Published: Sep 26, 2008
Author: Michele Masterson
Post Date: 2008-09-26 15:59:32 by a vast rightwing conspirator
Keywords: None
Views: 197
Comments: 7

ISPs: We Swear, We Won't Watch Your Every Move

By Michele Masterson, ChannelWeb
12:41 PM EDT Fri. Sep. 26, 2008 Responding to increasing Internet privacy concerns, AT&T (NYSE:T), Verizon (NYSE:VZ) and Time Warner (NYSE:TWX), the country's largest ISPs, told a Senate committee during a hearing Thursday that they don't engage in online consumer tracking and want to self-regulate such practices in the future. The hearing focused on whether ISPs are tracking their customers' Internet usage and selling that information to advertisers, an industry practice known as behavioral targeting.

To be sure, controversy regarding consumer privacy on the Internet and Web ad tracking has been a source of contention for years. But ISPs are pointing the finger at online advertising companies as the main culprits.

"Most companies that provide services on the Internet are presently under no obligation to disclose or obtain consent for the collection and use of consumers' online usage information," said Peter Stern, executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Time Warner Cable, in his testimony. "And in the case of some of the largest ad networks and application providers, the amount of information such companies possess dwarfs that obtained by ISPs."

The most recent brouhaha surrounding the issue came earlier this year involving NebuAd, a company that monitors ISP customers for ad-targeting. The largest ISPs have denied any involvement with the company. However, Charter Communications, the fourth largest ISP in the country, came under fire. The deal was scrapped, but not before it came under the scrutiny of Congressmen Ed Markey (D-MA) and Joe Barton (R-TX) of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

At the Thursday hearing, the ISPs said they want to maintain transparency and become clearer about opt-out options.

"Verizon believes that before a company captures certain Internet-usage data for targeted or customized advertising purposes, it should obtain meaningful, affirmative consent from consumers," said Tom Tauke, Verizon executive vice president of public affairs, policy and communications, in his testimony. Meaningful consent requires transparency, affirmative choice and consumer control, ensuring that consumers can at any time act to stop any company from using their Internet usage information."

To ensure such measures and head off possible government intervention, Tauke recommended that the industry band together and form a coalition centered on best practices.

"To achieve this, we plan to work with stakeholders in the Internet and advertising arenas, including other companies, industry groups and policy organizations," he said.

Dorothy Attwood, AT&T's senior vice president, public policy and chief privacy officer, agreed.

"We believe these principles offer a rational approach to protecting consumer privacy while allowing the market for Internet advertising and its related products and services to grow," she said in her testimony.

It seems that such measures come at a critical time. The Consumer Reports National Research Center released poll results Thursday that found most Web users in the country are very concerned about online privacy.

According to the poll, 82 percent of consumers are concerned about their credit card numbers being stolen online, while 72 percent are concerned that their online behaviors were being tracked and profiled by companies.

Although 68 percent of consumers have provided personal information in order to access a Web site, 53 percent are uncomfortable with Internet companies using their e-mail content or browsing history to send relevant ads and 54 percent are uncomfortable with third parties collecting information about their online behavior.

The poll revealed that 93 percent of those surveyed said that Internet companies should always ask for permission before using personal information and 72 percent want the right to opt out when companies track their online behavior.

Some respondents said they take steps to limit the information that is being collected and shared about them online. For example, 35 percent said they use alternate e-mail addresses to avoid providing real information; 26 percent said they have used software that hides their identity; and 25 percent have provided fake information to access a Web site.

And while consumers are aware that information about their surfing habits are being collected online, many of those surveyed are not aware of what companies do with that information.

"Many consumers have misconceptions about the information available about them and how commonly it is sold by companies without their knowledge," said Joel Kelsey, policy analyst with Consumers Union, in a statement. "Our poll makes clear that consumers want more control over the treasure trove of information companies are collecting about their activities online."

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#1. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#0)

When I first got my cable internet connection I contacted my ISP to set up my email. I contacted them 'online' in an interactive window.

They asked me if I wanted to be 'walked through' it OR if I wanted them to take control of my computer and do it.

I wanted to see them do it so I gave them permission.

They started moving my mouse around and opening files and making settings.

They can not only 'view' your screen but can maneuver around your system.

We have done that at IBM 25 years ago.

real-debt-elimination

Itisa1mosttoolate  posted on  2008-09-26   16:13:37 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#2. To: Itisa1mosttoolate (#1)

I can get into any of 200,000 computers. Of course, the fact that I 'can' does not mean that I do or that I should - we got ethics.

Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'

a vast rightwing conspirator  posted on  2008-09-26   16:56:43 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#3. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#2)

I can get into any of 200,000 computers. Of course, the fact that I 'can' does not mean that I do or that I should

You may be a lover but you ain't no dancer!

And they write innumerable books; being too vain and distracted for silence: seeking every one after his own elevation, and dodging his emptiness. - T. S. Eliot

Dakmar  posted on  2008-09-26   16:58:18 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#4. To: Dakmar (#3)

We got people fired for messing up with other people's computers without permission.

Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'

a vast rightwing conspirator  posted on  2008-09-26   16:59:55 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#5. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#4)

Let them mess up with their own computers I kept saying, but no....

And they write innumerable books; being too vain and distracted for silence: seeking every one after his own elevation, and dodging his emptiness. - T. S. Eliot

Dakmar  posted on  2008-09-26   17:01:55 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#6. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#2)

When Clinton was asked Why did you do that[Monaca]? he said .."because I could."

real-debt-elimination

Itisa1mosttoolate  posted on  2008-09-26   17:10:35 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#7. To: Itisa1mosttoolate (#6) (Edited)

I know the way you feel I know it ain't too good
I know it feels like there's detergent in your blood
But don't you worry, gonna make you feel alright
I'm gonna lift your black depression, help you through the night
I'm your man, you know I'll help you if I can
Cos I'm your Doctor
I know you're desperate, I really sympathise
I see the morbid horror flicker in your eyes

But rest assured I'm gonna help to ease your pain
I'm gonna put a thousand tiny implants in your brain
I'm your boy, I'll make you undulate with joy
Cos I'm the Doctor
Don't get too depressed, I've found a way to help your case
A little hypodermic sends you into outer space
You'll feel much better when you take these little pills
I'm gonna give you 60 bottles, I believe in overkill
Heart attack, you know you're never coming back
Cos I'm the Doctor

And they write innumerable books; being too vain and distracted for silence: seeking every one after his own elevation, and dodging his emptiness. - T. S. Eliot

Dakmar  posted on  2008-09-26   17:15:33 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


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