Microsoft has restated its position on the proposed Do Not Track online privacy scheme with regards to the Redmond company’s upcoming Internet Explorer 10, due to launch with Windows 8. Microsoft’s Brendon Lynch said in a blog post that the company would be sticking with the previously stated position of “turning “on” a DNT signal as part of the default configuration for IE10.”

Do Not Track is a privacy initiative that tells advertisers not to track the browsing habits of users, stifling their ability to deliver targeted advertising based on what a user has viewed in a session. Advertisers would still be able to deliver adverts but these would not be based on a user’s behaviour.

This move on Microsoft’s part is one that will get up the noses of advertisers, according to tech website Ars Technica. Some online advertisers are going along with the entirely voluntary Do Not Track initiative for the moment, possibly out of fear that an official version will be proposed and implemented. Requiring internet users to opt out of tracking is a relatively safe bet for advertisers since a large proportion of those online will not take the time to do so. But if users were asked to opt in to a tracking system, advertisers would have a far harder time convincing them to participate.

There is a lot of disagreement between advertisers and privacy advocates at the moment but Microsoft has a lot of support in their corner at the moment.

Lynch says “Our approach to DNT in IE10 is part of our commitment to privacy by design and putting people first. We believe consumers should have more control over how data about their online behavior is tracked, shared, and used.” But it could all be for nothing if advertisers just ignore tracking preferences because they feel like they are being worked over.

Source: Ars Technica