Google to add “Do Not Track” button to its Chrome browserFebruary 24, 2012 - 17:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Google will add a “Do Not Track” button to its Chrome browser, the search giant has conceded, after being challenged to put its software where its mouth is over online privacy, Slash Gear reports. The new system will allow surfers to avoid having their viewing habits used to tailor advertising and more, as part of an industry-wide shift to make privacy controls more visible. The decision follows several high-profile criticisms of Google’s approach to user privacy, as well as the Obama Administration’s Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights being revealed. “We’re pleased to join a broad industry agreement to respect the ‘do-not-track’ header in a consistent and meaningful way that offers users choice and clearly explained browser controls” Google Senior Vice President of Advertising Susan Wojcicki told Bloomberg in a statement. The exact nature of the “Do Not Track” control is unclear at this stage, though Google already offers an “Incognito Window” option in Chrome which does not store a history of sites visited. Google has come under fire in recent weeks over its approach to privacy, with both watchdogs and U.S. Congress criticizing the company for its newly collated privacy policy. Subsequent revelations that Google had used workaround techniques to track Safari users didn’t help, and Microsoft joined the crowd of critics with its own accusations around Internet Explorer. Google is already onboard with the Californian Online Privacy Act, joining Microsoft, Apple, HP, RIM and others in working to improve privacy protection in mobile apps. Developers will have to inform users around how their data will be handled prior to the app itself being downloaded. Top stories Yerevan will host the 2024 edition of the World Congress On Information Technology (WCIT). Rustam Badasyan said due to the lack of such regulation, the state budget is deprived of VAT revenues. Krisp’s smart noise suppression tech silences ambient sounds and isolates your voice for calls. Gurgen Khachatryan claimed that the "illegalities have been taking place in 2020." Partner news Most popular in the section | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |