A lot is happening lately in the realm of online privacy, and there are some Maryland connections.
In a story today, I wrote about how the Attorney General, Doug Gansler, sent a letter to Google asking for more details on its soon-to-change privacy policy for users. Thirty-five other AG's across the country joined in Gansler's request.
Also, two powerhouse Baltimore lawyers -- Billy Murphy and Peter Angelos -- have filed a class action lawsuit against Facebook, in California, over that company's alleged practice of tracking users who were no longer logged into the social networking site.
These privacy flare-ups are happening fast and furiously lately.
In more news, the Wall Street Journal today reports that major Web firms, including Google, have agreed to install and honor a "do not track" button in web browsers. But the button has some significant exceptions; information about users will still be collected. Privacy advocates, such as the ACLU, want people to be able to surf the Internet without concern over being tracked by companies and marketers.
But there will probably be some pushback, especially from law enforcement. Police see investigative value in enabling people who use the Internet to leave footprints, which can they find when a crime is committed. It's doubtful that law enforcement will ever go along with a full "do not track" system that erases everyone's footprints on the Internet.
Take a look at the Murphy/Angelos lawsuit below. It's interesting: