i Spy Internet Snooping...European Advertising Standards Alliance define new rules to inform web surfers that adverts they see are determined via snooping

Read more Internet News at MelonFarmers.co.uk

See article from independent.co.uk

When new rules governing the way companies collect and use data about our movements online come into force, a little i symbol will appear on screen to reveal adverts generated by cookies. Many internet users find these digital devices, which are used by websites to create personal profiles based on use of the Internet, intrusive. The data is used for Online Behavioural Advertising, allowing companies to direct their display adverts at individuals who, through the websites they have visited, have indicated an interest in certain goods or services. The warning system, to be introduced by the European Advertising Standards Alliance and the Internet Advertising Bureau of Europe, will allow users to opt out of all Online Behavioural Advertising. Similar measures introduced in the US had shown that users were often reassured about the use of cookies and chose to redefine their advertising profiles so they more accurately reflected their interests. Some web names, like Yahoo!, have already begun using the triangle icon on a voluntary basis in Britain but from June all ad networks will be required to display the symbol or face sanctions.

About these ads