[LINK] Cable TV and privacy

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

US Congress to hold hearing on cable advertising  14 hours ago


PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Congress is looking into plans by cable TV operators 
to roll out targeted advertising amid concerns that they will infringe on 
consumer privacy.

The House subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet 
will hold a hearing Thursday morning that will look at new uses for 
digital set-top boxes.  (microphones?)

Cable TV companies have plans to use set-top boxes to collect data and 
direct ads more targeted to individual household preferences. 

Consumer advocacy groups are wary of such plans.

Canoe Ventures, a consortium comprised of the nation's six largest cable 
operators, is expected to roll out targeted and interactive ads 
nationally this year.

Several operators also are individually testing or rolling out targeted 
ads, including Philadelphia-based Comcast Corp. and Cablevision Systems 
Corp. of Bethpage, N.Y.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. 
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h1evfzGsdv8T_xKJworW0Wrm
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Cheers,
Stephen