DoNotTrackStandard

DoNotTrackStandard refers to the historical collection of proposals and specifications surrounding the Do Not Track (DNT) mechanism in web privacy. Originating from discussions within the W3C and privacy advocacy communities in the early 2010s, the standard aimed to provide a consistent, machine-readable signal that a user does not want to be tracked by websites, advertisers, and analytics services.

Technically, the DoNotTrackStandard envisioned a Do Not Track header sent by user agents (browsers) with HTTP requests, accompanied by guidelines for how organizations should respond. The framework contemplated scenarios in which websites would respect the signal, potentially reducing or eliminating tracking techniques such as certain cookies or cross-site tracking practices, in line with user preferences. It also addressed user-facing controls to enable or disable the signal.

Adoption and status have been mixed. DoNotTrackStandard did not achieve universal industry adoption or enforcement, and responses to the signal varied widely across platforms and services. Debates over enforcement, scope, and practical effectiveness contributed to inconsistent implementation. Over time, the industry moved toward broader privacy initiatives and alternative standards, with the Tracking Preference Expression (DPE) and related W3C work aiming for more interoperable approaches.

Today, DoNotTrackStandard is generally regarded as a historical concept rather than an active, universally implemented standard. Contemporary privacy practice relies on a combination of browser privacy settings, consent frameworks, regulatory requirements, and evolving privacy technology rather than a single, widely adopted DNT protocol. See also Do Not Track, DNT header, Tracking Preference Expression, and W3C privacy initiatives.