Proposed law targets Web cookies

U.S. Sen. Robert Torricelli of New Jersey will introduce a bill to regulate the use of personal information and cookies on the Internet.

If passed, the Internet Privacy Act would require firms to get permission before collecting or using data gathered from consumers. Currently, many firms simply take the data and require consumers to notify them if they don't want it used.

Many sites use cookies - small files that identify users - to personalize ads and content, but they can also be used to track where users go online.

Internet advertising firm DoubleClick was sued recently by consumers who claim it illegally collects and sells personal data.

The full story can be found at www.zdnn.com.