DoubleClick, States in Talks

DoubleClick Inc., under attack for its method of tracking online movements by Internet users, is in discussions with several states that are investigating whether the Internet advertising company violates consumers’ privacy, Michigan Atty. Gen. Jennifer Granholm said. DoubleClick and four states are drafting a proposal for “an Internet protocol that will address the privacy concerns,” she said. She declined to describe the various settlement proposals the company and the four states are discussing. DoubleClick declined to comment on any settlement discussions and defended its business practices, which also are under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission.