Google’s Chrome browser will now have a “do-not- track” button to allow users to restrict the amount of data that can be collected about them.
The search giant along with a host of other web companies has joined the anti-tracking initiative, unveiled by the Obama administration to give consumers more control over their personal information online. The “privacy bill of rights” proposed by the White House on Thursday prevents an individual’s browsing history from being used by the companies.
“We’re pleased to join a broad industry agreement to respect the ‘do-not-track’ header in a consistent and meaningful way that offers users choice and clearly explained browser controls,” Google Senior Vice President of Advertising Susan Wojcicki said in the statement.
The new rule comes amid growing consumer concern about their lack of control over the vast amounts of information about their identities and online activities.
However, Wallstreet Journal points out that the new do-not-track button isn’t going to stop all web tracking. The companies have agreed to stop people’s web browsing data to customize ads, and for employment, credit, health-care and insurance purposes. But, the data can still be used for other purposes such as “market research” and “product development” and can still be used by law enforcement officers. The do-not-track button also wouldn’t stop companies like Facebook from tracking its members through “Like” buttons and other functions.
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