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Glossary
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Do Not Track

Do Not Track is a privacy preference that users can set in their web browsers to signal to websites and online services that they do not want their online activities to be tracked across websites.

Example #1

For example, when a user activates the Do Not Track setting in their browser, it sends a signal to websites that the user does not wish to be tracked for personalized advertising or data collection purposes.

Example #2

Another example is when a user visits a website that respects the Do Not Track signal, the website will refrain from tracking the user's online behavior for advertising or analytics.

Misuse

Misuse of the Do Not Track signal can occur when websites ignore the user's preference and continue tracking their activities despite the setting being enabled. This misuse undermines consumer privacy rights and exposes users to unwanted tracking and data collection. It is essential to protect against misuse to uphold consumer trust and privacy standards.

Benefits

The benefit of Do Not Track is that it empowers users to have more control over their online privacy by expressing their preference not to be tracked across websites. By respecting this preference, websites can enhance transparency and trust with users, fostering a more privacy-conscious online ecosystem.

Conclusion

Do Not Track is a valuable tool for consumers seeking to protect their online privacy by signaling to websites their preference not to be tracked. While it offers benefits in empowering users and promoting transparency, it is crucial to guard against misuse to ensure the integrity of user privacy rights.

Related Terms

Consumer Privacy

Last Modified: 4/30/2024
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