Bill would allow consumers to block Web tracking

BOSTON—House and Senate members are discussing a bill that would allow consumers to prevent Internet search providers and search engines from tracking their online habits.

Legislation proposed by Democratic Rep. William Straus of Mattapoisett would require providers to tell consumers about their tracking habits and give consumers the option of blocking the tracking.

And consumers would have to give expressed permission if the information being tracked could identify them by name, phone number or address.

Search providers and businesses use such anonymous and personal information to offer products and services to consumers based on their Web search habits.

Straus told a Statehouse hearing Tuesday those offers can be helpful, but "the privacy of the consumer is what this bill is directed to."