The World Wide Web Consortium this week announced it issued the first public working draft of the Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P) specification.
Applications built using the P3P specification will allow Web sites to declare their privacy practices automatically, and the users’ browser will understand the privacy declaration. The privacy practices of the Web site are embedded within the code, enabling users to rely on their browser to respect their privacy preferences.
The creation of the P3P specification is a direct result of public concern of
the potential privacy abuses by Web sites. Most sites do not provide
information about privacy practices, many repeatedly request the same
information, and users end up feeling like they have no control over the
situation.
Upcoming products utilizing P3P will enable users to be informed of the
privacy policies and practices of Web sites, to allow their computer to make
the final decision, when possible, and enable users to make privacy choices
for specific Web sites.
The P3P specification was developed by the W3C P3P Syntax, Harmonization, and Protocol Working Groups, including W3C Member organizations and experts in the field of Web privacy. P3P is based on W3C specifications that have already been established, including HTTP, XML and Resource Description Framework (RDF).
For additional information on P3P, and details on the voting
process of the W3C, visit the P3P Web site.