In 2013 the world was stunned by the scandals related to tracking. We've realized that the dystopian world, where governments watch almost everyone's move is perpahs not that far from the truth we thought it can be.

As it was mentioned several years ago, the Internet browser will become important than the operating system in the future. And indeed, we now use Internet browsers from all the software in our computers predominantly. These browsers need data and we provide it. Such a data can be our names, ID numbers, personal data, or information where we've been to and who we've met. But what if all the data are not only kept or stored but eventually – transmitted to someone? How can we be sure that if we agree that we want the browser not to track any information it is actually not tracking?

In 2002 the European Commission issued a directive that was later adopted by the member states, that forbids such a behavior; i e. that user's on-line activities cannot be tracked without their consent. In order that the Commission will be able to understand and evaluate the tracking mechanisms of the current world, a working group has been set. Despite years that passed, the group that represent both citizen initiatives and advertising and software industry, did not come to any conclusions.

In the meantime the 2013 wiretapping and tracking scandals occurred.

So far there is a “do not track” standard for Internet browsers. This standard is however only voluntarily enforced. That is why we've organized the Do not track conference; a panel debate of various parties interested in this issue. We should investigate if these standards should remain voluntary or not and eventually outline an idea how this issue should be changed in the future.

Aside of the people from the European Commission, such as Robert Madelin or Paul Nemitz, we will also see speakers from other backgrounds, like for example Rob van Eijk. Stuart Hamilton for example will tell how librarians and visitors of libraries are affected by tracking and how freedom of expression as well as their privacy rights might be endangered.

We believe that this meeting will be interesting; confronting various views on a very important topic of the today world. We'll be happy to see you in Brussels!