WASHINGTON (AP) — A top Senate Democrat says the advertising industry is ignoring consumers' requests not to be tracked online and that it's probably time for federal regulation.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia delivered the threat in his opening remarks at a congressional hearing Wednesday on his proposal to impose a "Do Not Track" list that companies would have to honor or face penalties by the Federal Trade Commission.
Rockefeller, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, says he has long been skeptical of industry's ability to regulate itself when it directly affects profits. Lobbyists representing the online advertising industry say they believe their voluntary program is working and that industry mandates would be too onerous.
