'Do Not Track' list proposed for Internet

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A proposal has been made that a "Do Not Track" list be created to ensure that U.S. residents using the Internet do not have their online activities tracked.

Based on the "Do Not Call" list used to avoid telemarketing activities, the proposed list would potentially stop companies from monitoring an individual's online activities to create behaviorally targeted advertising, The Washington Post said Wednesday.

Consumer Federation of America official Mark Cooper said the recent proposal to the Federal Trade Commission would target a growing problem through a method already familiar to the general public.

"Consumers obviously know the Do Not Call list and have reacted well to it," the director of research said. "As an analogy, it helps socialize an important concern and idea."

A 10-member group called the Network Advertising Initiative has agreed to police online groups to ensure individuals' privacy, but others have criticized that proposal.

Some privacy advocates said that the proposed list is not only difficult to learn about and join, but would likely not include all behavioral advertising firms, the Post reported.