Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz endorsed an opt-in
framework for privacy policies on the internet over an opt-out one in
response to a question by Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV).

Asked
generally about what policies could improve online privacy, Leibowitz
asserted that a mutually beneficial opt-in policy empowers the
consumer, protects security, and ultimately leads to more online
transactions.

Whether Leibowitz’s endorsement will help shape
the online privacy bill drafts that are gradually emerging in the House
remains to be seen.