The OTA Announces Support of White House’s New Consumer Bill of Rights to Protect Online Privacy
Newly-Released Bill of Rights Aimed at Protecting Consumers Online Represents a ‘Major Step Forward”

Washington, DC – February 23, 2012 – The Online Trust Alliance today announced its support of a newly-released “Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights,” issued by the White House and part of a comprehensive blueprint aimed at improving consumers’ privacy protections and ensuring the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth. The online privacy push comes at a time when major Internet players have come under fire for tracking consumers’ activity on the Internet.  

According to the White House, the blueprint will guide efforts to give users more control over how their personal information is used on the Internet and to help businesses maintain consumer trust and grow in the rapidly-changing digital environment. In addition, leading Internet companies and online advertising networks announced commitment to act on Do Not Track technology in most major web browsers to make it easier for users to control online tracking. Such companies as Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, and AOL, which comprise nearly 90 percent of online behavioral advertisements, have agreed to comply when consumers choose to control online tracking, according to the statement from the White House.   

The Online Trust Alliance is a long-time advocate of online consumer controls and privacy and was invited by the White House to contribute and has been working as a contributor to the Privacy Bill of Rights. The OTA looks forward to a continued dialogue helping to ensure consumers have control in the collection, use and sharing of their data.  

“Trust and confidence are the foundation of the digital economy and OTA applauds the White House’s commitment to online privacy and the calls for greater transparency, security, control and accountability,” said Craig Spiezle, executive director and president, Online Trust Alliance. “The multi stakeholder process is to be commended, highlighting the importance of consumer protection while promoting innovation and the vitality of commerce. We see this as a major step forward in promoting consumer controls online.”

White House Statement Obama Administration Unveils Blueprint for a “Privacy Bill of Rights” to Protect Consumers

Privacy White Paper - Consumer Data Privacy in a Digital World (PDF)

 News Coverage

New Your Times - Whitehouse Consumer In Mind Offers Online Privacy Guidelines - Feb 23

USA Today - White House Pushes for Online Privacy Rights - Feb 23

Washington Post - Voluntary guidelines for Web privacy backed by Obama administration - Feb 23

Do Not Track - What is Does and Does Not Do Not - Feb 23

WSJ - Coalition Reverses Position Agreeing to Support Browser Based Do-Not-Track Functionality - Feb 23

The Hill - Bill of Rights - Feb 23

TRUSTe Blog

OTA Privacy Enhancing Initiatives

Data Protection & Breach Readiness - Protecting Consumer Data & Personal Information

Email Authentication & DMARC - Tools to Help Counter Deceptive email & Phishing

Why Your Browser Matters Initiative - Promoting Browser Privacy & Security Innovation

Anti-Malvertising - Helping Curb Malicious & Privacy Encroaching Advertising

2012 Privacy News

OTA & Members Demonstrate Innovation & Leadership at RSA - February 22

Privacy Scorecard & Webinar - February 21

OTA Releases 2012 Data Protection & Breach Readiness Guide - January 24

OTA To Host Data Protection & Privacy Hall - Media Advisory - January 17

OTA Supports Data Privacy Day - January 17

Related Privacy Efforts & Docs

About The Online Trust Alliance (OTA) https://otalliance.org

OTA’s mission is to develop and advocate best practices, public policy and self-regulation to mitigate emerging privacy, identity and security threats to online services, brands, government, organizations and consumers.  By enhancing online trust and confidence, we can realize the potential of the internet, promote innovation and the vitality of commerce.

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