Several Dutch newspapers have signed up to a European initiative which will allow internet users to stop advertisers using text files known as cookies to track their web behaviour.

Cookies allow publishers to monitor which websites people visit and target advertising at them. This means, for example, someone who searches for shoes may see the same shoe advert on various sites they visit.
By visiting the register and turning off the cookie option for a particular ad, internet users will be able to stop advertisers targeting them. Adverts which are produced by subscribers to the scheme will carry a small ‘x’ which can be clicked and will lead to the register.
Newspapers
Companies which support the initiative include the Persgroep which publishes the Volkskrant, Trouw and the Parool newspapers, as well as the Telegraaf and Sanoma.
European commissioner Neelie Kroes, who is in charge of digital policy, had earlier called on advertisers to develop such a register.
However, web privacy lobby group Bits of Freedom told Nos television the register does not go far enough. ‘Internet users should not be spied on unless they say it is okay,’ a spokesman said.
‘An advert for shoes might be innocent but what if you are looking for information about back problems? Such private information is open to abuse,’ the spokesman said.
Cookie ban
In June, MPs voted in favour of new legislation setting very strict limits to the use of cookies.
Under the new legislation, cookies can only be placed if the user gives express permission to do so. In addition, whoever collects the information must be able to prove they have the user’s permission.
Opponents say the legislation, which has yet to be approved by the upper house of parliament, could lead to companies such as Google withdrawing from the Dutch market.
Internet advertisers argue that targeted advertising is viewed as less instrusive.