Senate Hears Testimony On Internet Privacy

ACLU Testifies In Favor Of “Do Not Track” List To Protect Privacy Online
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CONTACT: (202) 675-2312 or media@dcaclu.org

WASHINGTON – The American Civil Liberties Union testified about the need for greater Internet privacy protections at a hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today. The hearing was aimed at examining the importance of Internet privacy and the steps the government should take to safeguard Americans’ information and communications online.

“As more and more of our daily lives and work move online, it becomes increasingly important that the privacy of Internet communications is protected,” said Christopher Calabrese, ACLU Legislative Counsel, who testified at today’s hearing. “The Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and the amount of data we share and make available to others. Privacy protections must keep pace with the rapidly expanding Internet marketplace to ensure Americans have clear control of what information they’re sharing, where that information is going and how that information is being used.”

New, intrusive tactics allow for advertisers to track Americans’ online activity in order to create detailed profiles that can then be shared widely with other advertisers, employers and the government. In today’s testimony, the ACLU supported comprehensive privacy protections and the creation of a “do not track” list, which would allow consumers to opt out of having their online activity tracked, stored and shared with private companies for use in targeted advertising or for other purposes.

“There are reasonable, workable solutions to prevent unwanted and excessive data collection and a ‘do not track’ list is one of them,” said Calabrese. “Privacy protections need to apply to all forms and forums of communications, including the Internet, so that Americans’ fundamental free speech and privacy rights remain intact as technology develops.”

The ACLU’s full testimony is available at:
www.aclu.org/technology-and-liberty/aclu-testimony-state-online-consumer-privacy-senate-commerce-science-and-tran