Attention: The Online Ad Industry Is Now Officially Regulating Itself
August 30 is the day that online advertisers formally implement a code of conduct.
The industry hopes it will persuade Congress to leave them alone -- and convince Internet users there is nothing inherently creepy about their business. Will it work? The code, created and promoted by the Interactive Advertising Bureau, strikes the right tone by emphasizing education, transparency and consumer empowerment. It requires members -- who include heavyweights like Google, MTV and the New York Times -- to allow consumers to dictate how their data is collected and to be vigilant about ensuring that the data they collect remains safe and anonymous. For Internet users, the only noticeable change will be the increased presence of a small blue triangle and an “Ad Choices” or “About our Ads” link at the bottom of the websites they visit.