IP: FTC OFFERS PRIVACY GUIDELINES FOR INTERNET

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

Following publication of a report last month that called industry efforts to
address consumer privacy concerns "inadequate and disappointing," the
Federal Trade Commission is now drafting guidelines for legislation on
Internet privacy.  In testimony before the House Commerce Committee, FTC
Chairman Robert Pitofsky today called for "additional government authority"
to enforce privacy laws.  A June study conducted by the FTC found that 92%
of all Web sites collect personal data, including names, Social Security
numbers, and credit-card numbers, but only 14% tell users what information
they are collecting and what they plan to do with it.  The guidelines will
require that Web sites alert customers when information is being collected,
and offer them choices with regard to how it is used.  Web sites will be
required to offer "reasonable access" to the data, and to give users a
chance to correct inaccurate information.  In addition, Web sites will be
required to protect the data's security and integrity.  (Wall Street Journal
21 Jul 98