View PDF of this issue - The Green Sheet

47
News
Advancing consumers' controls and right to notification
is central to the OTA's core objectives, which include
providing consumers a concise and comparative view to
how Web sites will use their data, an understanding of
the value and assurances consumers are receiving when
doing business with any given site, and the ability to
manage the data they submit or which may have been
previously collected.
"The problem today is that many browsers offer some sort
of controls, but unfortunately all too often they are not
intuitive, and in some cases not discoverable, due to the
conflicting priorities of the companies that develop them,"
Spiezle said.
"And currently over 60 percent of Internet users are using
an outdated version of their current browser.
"All leading browsers are provided free of charge, but
consumers often do not know or understand the need to
upgrade their systems and assume that if it's not broken,
don't fix it.
Consumers simply need to visit their browser sites
and download updated security software, which provides
added protection from phishing, malware and online
threats."
Critical issues
OTA officials encourage browser vendors to continuously
innovate for the benefit of consumers, while allowing
Web sites to know when new browser features are
enabled. To maximize consumer controls, the OTA recommends
features be integrated into browsers, which helps
all segments of users to easily benefit from them.
Spiezle added that outdated browsers are fine for protection
from last year's threats but not today's. While
upgrades are not a silver bullet, updated browsers,
patched application software, and virus and malware
software are all critical components to help protect
both consumers and their business/employer data, he
said. "Consumer protection needs to be accelerated, and
the OTA is calling on all commerce, financial services
and government sites to support users when it comes
to upgrading their outdated and insecure browsers,"
Spiezle said.
"So through a combination of standardized notice, integrated
browser controls and teachable moments, the
OTA's recommendations support the FTC's goals, while
helping to maximize online trust and confidence and the
long-term vitality of online marketing, advertising and
consumer services."