Do Not Track vs. Global Privacy Control: A Deep Dive into Modern Privacy Signals
Privacy on the web has become a critical concern in an age where every click, search, and online interaction is potentially monitored and monetized. Two privacy mechanisms— Do Not Track (DNT) and Global Privacy Control (GPC) —represent efforts to empower users to regain control over their personal data. While they share a common goal, their approaches, levels of success, and relevance in today’s regulatory landscape could not be more different. As someone immersed in the world of web security and privacy, I believe it’s essential to understand not just what these mechanisms do but why they matter, how they work, and where they succeed or fall short. Let’s unpack the story behind each one. Do Not Track: An Ambitious Idea That Missed Its Mark Do Not Track (DNT) emerged in 2009, a time when concerns over online tracking were growing but few tools existed to address them. It was a simple concept: users could enable a browser setting that sent a signal—an HTTP header—requesting t...