Privacy vs. Marketing Tactics

Wheeled Wingers & Chicago Flight Hawks Fight!, originally uploaded by Zesmerelda.

I had a verbal knock-down drag-out with a Web marketing guy who touted his company's ability to serve up local ads. Apparently, after you visit one of his client's sites, it places a cookie on your computer that will trigger ads in support of the local business when visiting similar sites.

I find the whole thing distasteful.

He maintained that all people had to do if they didn't want to participate was to delete cookies. I argued that this "service" should include an option to opt-out upfront. He argued that people shouldn't have an expectation of privacy when surfing online. I argued that the reason why so many comments were left under anonymous disproved that notion. Also, that many people don't understand how cookies work or know how to get rid of them.

Double opt-in has become a standard for email lists, it should also be a standard for marketers wishing to track behavior online. Ethics with online behavior has lagged behind our use of technology. Just because the window of opportunity exists for marketers, doesn't mean it isn't sleazy behavior.

I'm sorry that mom & pop stores have to compete with big box giants, but I don't think sneaking cookies is the way to level the playing field online.

My two cents.