Do Not Track

Do Not Track
AbbreviationDNT
StatusRetired
Year started2009 (2009)[1]
AuthorsChristopher Soghoian and Sid Stamm[1]
Base standardsHTTP header fields, HTTP
SuccessorGlobal Privacy Control

Do Not Track (DNT) is a formerly official HTTP header field, designed to allow internet users to opt out of tracking by websites—which includes the collection of data regarding a user's activity across multiple distinct contexts, and the retention, use, or sharing of data derived from that activity outside the context in which it occurred.[2]

The Do Not Track header was originally proposed in 2009 by researchers Christopher Soghoian and Sid Stamm.[1] Mozilla Firefox became the first browser to implement the feature. The header didn't find widespread success due to the lack of legislation that would require companies to legally respect the Do Not Track header and most companies and websites not respecting the header when sent by the user.[3]

In 2020, a coalition of US-based internet companies announced the Privacy Control header that spiritually succeeds Do Not Track header. The creators hope that this new header will meet the definition of "user-enabled global privacy controls" defined by the (CCPA) and the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In this case, the new header would be automatically strengthened by existing laws and companies would be required to honor it.

  1. ^ a b c Fleishman, Glenn (March 7, 2019). "How the tragic death of Do Not Track ruined the web for everyone". Fast Company.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Goodrich, Ben (May 1, 2012). "An Analysis of the 'Do Not Track' Header" (PDF).