When navigating online, you are effectively agreeing to terms regarding personal information. Websites exchange services for data, typically in the form of tracking cookies. However, these exchanges are becoming increasingly imbalanced due to targeted advertising. Proposals such as the MyTerms document by advocate Doc Searls aim to reformulate these agreements. Instead of standard agreements determined by websites, MyTerms allows users to outline their privacy preferences, setting a baseline for site interactions.

The concept emphasizes user autonomy, compelling websites to request more specific permissions if necessary. This approach challenges the current norm where sites impose broad requirements for consent.

Although the document is still in development, its acceptance could shift user preferences toward sites that provide clearer, more sensible privacy terms, encouraging a trend toward better practices in web privacy.

Ultimately, blanket acceptance of user agreements leads to ignorance of what these terms entail. The goal of MyTerms is to create a more competent understanding among users, fostering a culture where privacy and consent are prioritized.