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Curbs on advertiser Web tracking proposed

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- A U.S. congresswoman wants to restrict online advertisers' tracking of users' Web surfing.

The "Do Not Track" bill introduced Friday by Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., would let the Federal Trade Commission force advertisers to honor the wishes of users who choose not to be tracked for marketing, the Los Angeles Times reports.

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The FTC would have 18 months to draft regulations ensuring that users could "effectively and easily" choose not to have their online behavior tracked or recorded.

Speier also introduced a companion bill giving consumers more control over financial information gathered by banks. It would bar financial institutions from sharing consumers' information without their express approval.

"These two bills send a clear message -- privacy over profit," Speier said. "Consumers have a right to determine what if any of their information is shared with big corporations, and the federal government must have the authority and tools to enforce reasonable protections."

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