U.S. considering new online privacy regulations

The U.S. Commerce Department and the Federal Trade Commission are preparing independent reports on online privacy regulatory measures, which will be considered by the government. The agencies are likely to advocate different approaches, from a laissez-faire self-regulation based on agreements between users and websites, to binding “do not track” lists which would regulate online privacy using an approach similar to “do not call” lists. A clash seems likely over competing proposals, with each agency hoping to get the support of lawmakers.