TheCRE.com
CRE Homepage About The CRE Advisory Board Newsletter Search Links Representation Comments/Ideas
Data Access
Data Quality
Regulation by Litigation
Regulation by Appropriation
Special Projects
CRE Watch List
OMB Papers
Abstracts and Reviews
Regulatory Review
Voluntary Standards Program
CRE Report Card
Public Docket Preparation
Consumer Response Service
Site Search

Enter keyword(s) to search TheCre.com:

®: CRE Regulatory Action of the Week

OMB Propose New Policy on Government Website Privacy
On June 22, 2000, the U. S. Office of Management and Budget issued memorandum M-00-13, which was later updated by memorandum M-03-22. These OMB memoranda prohibit use of Web tracking technologies unless the agency head approves the use of these technologies due to a compelling need.

On July 27, 2009, OMB published Federal Register notice that OMB is considering options for revising the current prohibition on Web tracking technologies (such as persistent cookies). OMB invited public comments on the policy that would govern the use of such technologies. According to OMB, "The goal of this review is for the Federal Government to continue to protect the privacy of people who visit Federal Government Web sites while at the same time making these Web sites more user-friendly, providing better customer service, and allowing for enhanced Web analytics."

OMB's Federal Register notice explains that
    "Under a framework that we are considering, any Federal agency using Web tracking technologies on a Federal Government Web site would be subject to basic principles governing the use of such technologies and would be required to:

    Adhere to all existing laws and policies (including those designed to protect privacy) governing the collection, use, retention, and safeguarding of any data gathered from users;

    Post clear and conspicuous notice on the Web site of the use of Web tracking technologies;

    Provide a clear and understandable means for a user to opt-out of being tracked; and

    Not discriminate against those users who decide to opt- out, in terms of their access to information."
OMB is currently considering the application of a three-tiered approach to the use of Web tracking technologies on Federal Government Web site:
    "1st Single-session technologies--which track users over a single session and do not maintain tracking data over multiple sessions or visits;

    2nd Multi-session technologies for use in Web analytics--which track users over multiple sessions purely to gather data to analyze Web traffic statistics; and

    3rd Multi-session technologies for use as persistent identifiers-- which track users over multiple visits with the intent of remembering data, settings, or preferences unique to that visitor for purposes beyond what is needed for Web analytics."
OMB must receive any comments on its proposal by August 10, 2009.
  • Click here to read OMB's Federal Register notice