Title: Security and privacy implications of 'do not track'

Authors: Alexander Pons; Andrew De La Rosa; Silvia Vidaurre; Luis Vargas; Eugene Pons

Addresses: ECE, Florida International University, 10555 West Flagler St., Miami, FL 33174, USA ' ECE, Florida International University, 10555 West Flagler St., Miami, FL 33174, USA ' ECE, Florida International University, 10555 West Flagler St., Miami, FL 33174, USA ' ECE, Florida International University, 10555 West Flagler St., Miami, FL 33174, USA ' MDC Wolfson Campus, 300 NE Second Ave., Miami, FL 33132, USA

Abstract: In today's world where the lines between privacy and security are becoming blurred, what control if any is maintained by the consumer. User privacy in regards to internet tracking is a new and continuous topic among many technological discussions. While this issue is fairly new, the discussion on topics related to privacy and user tracking have existed for some time. As technology progresses, transparency on the manner in which user information is acquired and applied to formulate a user profile, is an issue of concern. Many companies promote their adherence to privacy and their respect towards the 'do not track' option available in most browsers, but how much transparency in the process is afforded to the consumer. The study conducted focuses on the level of understanding consumers have in regards to privacy issues and the cost and benefit of implementing a technology that users might not understand or use.

Keywords: privacy; security; internet; web; tracking; awareness; marketing; digital footprint.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIPSI.2017.088699

International Journal of Information Privacy, Security and Integrity, 2017 Vol.3 No.2, pp.117 - 133

Received: 01 Aug 2016
Accepted: 12 Aug 2017
Published online: 14 Dec 2017 *

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