Proposals are being put in place to prevent websites tracking the habits of online users and their personal information.

Reports about online privacy are set to be made by two US Government organisations which could conflict, with the Commerce Department expected to favour the online industry becoming self regulatory through the introduction of users agreements which will see companies post their privacy policies online or allow consumers to agree to follow them.

It is thought however that the Commission is in favour of introducing a ‘Do not track’ option on web sites.

Either outcome is likely to upset marketers who see online tracking as the most effective method of monitoring consumer behaviour.