The concept is loosely based on the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry, which was launched in 2003 and has been widely credited for allowing Americans to eat their suppers in peace. More than 190 million people have listed their phones on the registry, which prohibits calls from telemarketers. Violating the registry subjects telemarketers to civil penalties up to $16,000 per violation.
Leibowitz, who first floated the idea of Do Not Track last summer, said that although the technology has not yet been widely deployed for consumers, browser companies are experimenting with it. And lawmakers do appear interested in the concept. Bobby Rush, chairman of the House Commerce subcommittee that deals with consumer protection issues, will hold a hearing on potential Do Not Track legislation on Dec. 2.
The new FTC report comes at time of mounting concern about online privacy in both Washington, D.C., and Europe.
The National Information and Telecommunications Administration, part of the U.S. Commerce Department, is also preparing a report on the issue. And the Obama administration’s Office of Science Technology Policy has created a new group to develop broad principles on online privacy to guide legislative action and regulatory policy.
Meanwhile, last month the European Union said it plans to update its privacy regulations to give consumers more control over online tracking and targeted advertising.
- New research challenges fears about AI in the classroom - February 5, 2026
- How the FY25 funding freeze impacts students across America - July 24, 2025
- ‘Buyer’s remorse’ dogging Common Core rollout - October 30, 2014