• by David Goetzl , March 4, 2009

IAB head Randall Rothenberg stridently warned online publishers and agencies that Washington is on guard. The federal -- and state governments -- are "looking for us to protect privacy rights ... in interactive media."

And he urged all in the industry to join the six industry trading associations in creating "an effective and meaningful self-regulatory practice.”

GroupM chief Irwin Gotlieb said ensuring privacy is smart business and protecting it is important for clients. "We can't do the jobs we need to do for out clients if we don’t serve the interests of those who protect privacy.”

He added that a proper solution “on how we gather, control and responsibly manage data” is critical.