EU to probe web user profiling by advertisers (FT)

[Drew Wilson]

European authorities are to investigate consumer profiling by online advertisers amid allegations by senior European Union officials that “basic rights in terms of transparency, control and risk” are being violated.

Officials say they will collect evidence from consumers and industry on the information commercial websites are collecting and how it is being used. It could result in new controls on online advertisers, internet service providers and networking sites.

EU officials are particularly concerned by the growing use of “deep-packet inspection” technologies that allow broadband providers to track online activity even after consumers have tried to control the use of cookies – which allow websites to monitor browsing patterns. Although not widely used for advertising at the moment, many broadband providers see the technology as a source of future revenues.

Meglena Kuneva, EU consumer commissioner, will claim this week that the “terms and conditions” that consumers must accept to access commercial websites frequently breach privacy standards.

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[1cooldude]

I don't expect things to change very much within EU. Too many politicians are in the hands of these fuckers and the lobbying groups.