OMB Finally Changes Cookie Policies

The last time the federal government reviewed their restrictions on HTTP cookies was created amidst privacy fears in 2000 and amounts to a near ban on the use of Web tracking technology. The reasoning behind this is that the use of cookies requires personal approval by agency secretaries, and also requires a detailed written description of the agency’s “compelling need” for their use. But now, hoping to take advantage of more modern web capabilities (improved web analytics, personalization), the government has begun drafting changesand is requesting the public’s input.

The new plan is outlined in federal CIO Vivek Kundra and associate administrator of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OBM) information and regulatory affairs Michael Fitzpatrick’s blog. Under it, federal agencies would be more able to use cookies as long as their use is lawful. Any citizen can opt out of being tracked, notice of any use of cookies is posted on the Web site, and Web sites can’t limit access to information for those who opt out.Courtesy of informationweek.com