2010 Gallery of Leading Practices
Today, the Future of Privacy will be at the NTIA Dialogue on Privacy and Innovation. Jules Polonetsky will be participating on a panel regarding innovations in transparency and choice.
In order to recognize innovations in this area, the Future of Privacy Forum is launching its 2010 Gallery of Leading Practices. We have listed companies and practices that are leading the way in providing users with control and transparency of their personal information.
At the NTIA panel, Jules will be discussing recent online privacy advance as well as areas where progress is essential for both consumers and businesses.
Noteworthy innovations include:
• Limiting the retention of search queries and deleting data used for targeted advertising after a defined period
• Efforts at minimizing IP address details logged by web analytics
• Giving users control and transparency right from the advertisements themselves by featuring a behavioral ad icon and giving “clear notice” about the origins of targeted ads
• The creation of a mobile profile viewer that gives mobile device users control over what cookies are allowed to be stored on their device
• Stronger browser privacy controls
• Plug-ins that ensure opt-out status even after clearing cookies
• Labeling privacy policies in a common-sense fashion by directing users to see “how your information is being used”
• Indicators showing when one is being geolocated via a mobile device
Issues that still needing to be addressed include:
• The need for a workable definition of “sensitive information”
• The fact that a plug-in must still be downloaded and installed to ensure a stable opt-out status
• Increased data collection by applications
• The useability challenge of social network privacy controls
• Caution over creating the “illusion of control” that may lead to greater information sharing than warranted
• Data appending
• Over reliance on weak anonymity
• The right to delete
• Smart Grid data use guidelines
2010 Leading Practices Gallery
