Very significant information is gathered from users through online tracking. A significant amount of data gathered could be used by companies that do target advertising and strategic marketing approaches could surely enhance revenues of these companies. In the past, data collection was done through surveys of readers' preferences and applications. Online tracking as a marketing "tool" evolved as modern technology developed and grew. Today, marketing firms easily accumulate data by just keeping an "eye" on a user's online behavior.
At first, this data compilation from users seemed innocent. As an increasing number of internet marketing companies have made use of such techniques, privacy issues started to appear. It became increasingly difficult to retain privacy on the web. A user's online behavior can easily be tracked, making him or her "target" for internet advertising companies. Users began to question the legitimacy of such behavior, and considered it a violation of individual privacy. There then came the first claims of unlawful intrusiveness by internet data.
User data that goes online holds crucial information with huge marketing potentials. As a whole, this contains not only the user's data but also that of his or her friends, linkages, locations, and influences. With just some simple manipulations, this could reveal not only what the individual user wants but also those of his or her acquaintances. In general, there are many possibilities of abusing this data.
User information is collected by placing cookies on the computers of users who visit the website. The use of cookies is prevalent. In one report, it is said that out of the 100 most popular websites examined, more than 50 percent used cookies. Cookies make internet use more convenient, especially for those sites that are often visited by the user. Cookies help in saving individual user preferences so he or she does not have to go through a repetitive process.
Companies that use behavioral marketing should self-regulate to avoid claims of privacy violation. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that this should be put into law. Websites should have full disclosure of the company's behavioral targeting tactics. Under Federal Trade Commission Act Section 5(a), there were some website owners who were prosecuted due to violations.
At first, this data compilation from users seemed innocent. As an increasing number of internet marketing companies have made use of such techniques, privacy issues started to appear. It became increasingly difficult to retain privacy on the web. A user's online behavior can easily be tracked, making him or her "target" for internet advertising companies. Users began to question the legitimacy of such behavior, and considered it a violation of individual privacy. There then came the first claims of unlawful intrusiveness by internet data.
User data that goes online holds crucial information with huge marketing potentials. As a whole, this contains not only the user's data but also that of his or her friends, linkages, locations, and influences. With just some simple manipulations, this could reveal not only what the individual user wants but also those of his or her acquaintances. In general, there are many possibilities of abusing this data.
User information is collected by placing cookies on the computers of users who visit the website. The use of cookies is prevalent. In one report, it is said that out of the 100 most popular websites examined, more than 50 percent used cookies. Cookies make internet use more convenient, especially for those sites that are often visited by the user. Cookies help in saving individual user preferences so he or she does not have to go through a repetitive process.
Companies that use behavioral marketing should self-regulate to avoid claims of privacy violation. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that this should be put into law. Websites should have full disclosure of the company's behavioral targeting tactics. Under Federal Trade Commission Act Section 5(a), there were some website owners who were prosecuted due to violations.
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