US PIRG files complaint with the FTC regarding online privacy

I think we often conceptualize the internet like a busy street, full of things to see, do, and learn. But unlike a busy street, your very presence on the internet leaves lasting impressions and information about you and your browsing habits. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group is filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission “urging greater scrutiny and possibile regulatory action of online advertising and consumer tracking.”

While “regulatory action” is pretty much anathema to the internet, just stop for a moment and consider what Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft know about you. Do you use Gmail? If you do, Google knows your likes and dislikes, who you are dating, who you are sleeping with (most likely), where you shop, what kind of videos you like (if you also use an online movie rental service), etc. What if you also use Google Calendar, Google Reader, or Blogger?

Your life is out there. I actually think some regulation might be a nice thing, especially with the government gobbling up civil liberties like trick-or-treaters with bags full of candy.

Edit: U.S. Pirg just posted its press release (PDF link) as well as its complaint (PDF link).