I Would Click This Icon.

Protecting ones privacy is paramount in the online world. Often times these companies do employ the means to collect data on certain internet users. Face book for example uses the demographic information to target users about company products. Using demographic information allows for the company doing the advertising the means to employ the right the advertisement to ensure the greatest return. The option that has been given to internet users for protecting their identity and their internet usage with this new icon will assist in providing information about how users can protect themselves. The problem however, is that many internet users will most likely not click the icon. Many users choose to close out advertisement and continue on browsing. I am positive that as time passes people will become more frustrated with the online advertisements. I often find myself extremely frustrated with pop up ads that will not allow me to close them out and I usually choose to find my information elsewhere. I do not believe that companies will sign up because this will affect their revenue stream because they rely heavily on online marketing. I would like to think that the advertising option icon will become the next internet seal of approval much like the VeriSign seal. However, the chance that companies will allow for it comes into question.






http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/business/media/04privacy.html


http://www.securityweek.com/new-initiative-give-consumers-enhanced-control-over-collection-web-data-used-behavioral-advertising


http://www.tamingthebeast.net/blog/web-marketing/advertising-option-icon.htm