Benefits and Limitations of Self-Regulation for Online Behavioral Advertising

Benefits and Limitations of Self-Regulation for Online Behavioral Advertising

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
1:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Self-regulation, as opposed to government regulation, is the preferred norm in industries as diverse as health care, higher education, fashion, advertising, mining, marine fishing, professional sports, and nuclear power. The private sector relies on self-regulation to establish industry standards, professional codes of ethic, and consumer confidence. Unfortunately, when it comes to protecting consumer privacy online, many policymakers are skeptical of self-regulation and seem to think the risks of under-regulation outweigh the risks of over-regulation. As debate intensifies in this new regulatory frontier, ITIF is unveiling a report that will evaluate self-regulation by the private sector, explaining in practical terms how it works and why it is the better approach to protect consumer privacy in online behavioral advertising and other aspects of life online.