Posted on 07/30/2009 6:58:49 AM PDT by luckybogey
Federal Websites: Cookie Policy
During the Open Government Initiative outreach, Federal employees and the public have asked us questions about the federal government’s policy on cookies. As part of our effort to create a more open and innovative government, we’re working on a new cookie policy that we’ll want your input on. But before we get into that, let’s provide some context.
In June 2000, the OMB Director issued a memorandum (M-00-13, later updated by M-03-22)) that prohibited Federal agencies from using certain web-tracking technologies, primarily persistent cookies, due to privacy concerns, unless the agency head approved of these technologies because of a compelling need. That was more than nine years ago. In the ensuing time, cookies have become a staple of most commercial websites with widespread public acceptance of their use. For example, every time you use a “shopping cart” at an online store, or have a website remember customized settings and preferences, cookies are being used.
This past June, we blogged about ways to enhance citizen participation in government through basic policy changes, including revisions to the current policy on web-tracking technologies....
July 28, 2009, 06:22 PM — Computerworld —
Privacy advocates are raising questions about a proposal to revamp the use of tracking cookies on federal government Web sites.
Under the proposal, U.S. government agencies would be allowed to use single-session and multi-session cookies, including persistent cookies, to track users — as long as security and privacy standards governing the collection and use of tracking information are met. The agencies would have to post clear notice of data collection and allow users to opt-out...
(Excerpt) Read more at blog.ostp.gov ...
The answer of course is a Cookie Jar... (Cookie Czar)
A very good question. I don’t need government tracking my moves. EVER.
Cookies Cookies everywhere but not a bite to eat...
Use Firefox, disable third-party cookies, delete cookies on exit. Problem solved.
Don’t blow it out of proportion. The government has banned itself from using cookies for a long time out of privacy concerns. Unfortunately, blocking cookies limits the functionality of web sites. Allowing cookies can improve the functionality of the new sites popping up that keep us informed on government actions.
As a former government webmaster, I can say I wished I could use cookies not to track any visitors for nefarious purposes, but to provide them with better features.
The government is very sensitive about this, even under Obama. Any policy will probably have strict rules on the storage, retention and use of cookies.
I got some cookies for him.
I agree with your points however I also found it interesting in the comments section that you must register with your name.
Keep in mind that the WH Communications Director came from the “Hope Fund”.
Could the WH not have a data mining tool and create a database of their supporters that makes it way into their political database. Same for non-supporters?
I was just talking about the cookie aspect. Other things are disturbing.
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