tailieunhanh - Internet Privacy: Comparison of Federal Agency Practices With FTC's Fair Information Principles

On-line privacy has emerged as one of the key—and most contentious—issues surrounding the continued evolution of the Internet. The World Wide Web requires the collection of certain data from individuals who visit web sites—such as Internet address—in order for the site to operate properly. However, collection of even this most basic data can be controversial because of the public's apprehension about what information is collected and how it could be used. Concerned about the exponential growth of the on-line consumer marketplace and the capacity of the on-line industry to collect, store, and analyze vast amounts of data about consumers visiting commercial web sites, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). | United States General Accounting Office Washington DC 20548 Accounting and Information Management Division B-286150 September 11 2000 The Honorable Dick Armey Majority Leader House Of Representatives The Honorable W. J. Billy Tauzin Chairman Subcommittee on Telecommunications Trade and Consumer Protection Committee on Commerce House Of Representatives Subj ect Internet Privacy Comparison of Federal Agency Practices With FTC s Fair Information Principles On-line privacy has emerged as one of the key and most contentious issues surrounding the continued evolution of the Internet. The World Wide Web requires the collection of certain data from individuals who visit web sites such as Internet address in order for the site to operate properly. However collection of even this most basic data can be controversial because of the public s apprehension about what information is collected and how it could be used. Concerned about the exponential growth of the on-line consumer marketplace and the capacity of the on-line industry to collect store and analyze vast amounts of data about consumers visiting commercial web sites the Federal Trade Commission FTC reported in May 2000 on its most recent privacy survey of commercial web sites. The survey s objective was to assess the on-line industry s progress in implementing four fair information principles which FTC believes are widely accepted. Notice. Data collectors must disclose their information practices before collecting personal information from consumers. Choice. Consumers must be given options with respect to whether and how personal information collected from them may be used for purposes beyond those for which the information was provided. Access. Consumers should be able to view and contest the accuracy and completeness of data collected about them. GAO AIMD-00-296R Federal Agencies Fair Information Practices B-286150 Security. Data collectors must take reasonable steps to ensure that information collected from consumers