Leading DM Trade Groups Introduce Privacy Principles for Collection and Use of Behavioral Data

This self-regulatory program is expected to be implemented at the beginning of 2010.

"Consumers deserve transparency regarding the collection and use of their data for behavioral advertising purposes. I am gratified that a group of influential associations - representing a significant component of the Internet community - has responded to so many of the privacy concerns raised by my colleagues and myself," said Commissioner Pamela Jones Harbour, Federal Trade Commission (FTC). "These associations have invested substantial efforts to actually deliver a draft set of privacy principles, which have the potential to dramatically advance the cause of consumer privacy. I commend these organizations for taking this important first step. I am hopeful that successful implementation will follow. In the meantime, I encourage the entire privacy community to continue a dialogue that places the interests of consumers first."