DoubleClick double-cross, claims consumer group

NEWS A US consumer rights group has launched a bitter campaign against Internet company, DoubleClick, over what it claims are privacy rights abuses. DoubleClick develops technology that allows the tracking of consumer habits on the Net. But The Centre for Democracy and Technology (CDT) claims DoubleClick has started to link this online surfing data with names, addresses and other offline information. According to a statement posted on its Web site, CDT claims this is overstepping the mark and could, "deprive consumers of control over their identity online". DoubleClick has issued a statement that fails to deny the linking of on and offline personal data. However, the company said it is "absolutely committed to protecting the privacy of all Internet users, and to providing consumers with notice and choice." CDT is urging all consumers to send an email to the DoubleClick CEO asking to opt-out of its tracking regimes. More information about the campaign can be found at http://www.cdt.org .