ISSUE-4 and clarity regarding browser defaults

As I understand it as editor, the current consensus decision of this WG
is that no DNT header field is sent unless it is specifically enabled
through some act of the user, whether that be by configuration,
specific installation, or free choice to use software that has enabling
DNT as its purpose.  I have not heard of any change to that consensus.
That is ISSUE-4 (closed 26-Oct-2011).

Note that this is not the same issue as the default for what it means
when no header field is received, which we also agreed on as being
dependent on the user's regional/cultural/use context.

I have heard that at least some people seem to think the current
TPE spec is unclear about the no-header-by-default protocol
requirement, mostly because the same section focuses on intermediaries.
I intend to fix that as an editorial concern.  Please feel free
to send suggested text to the mailing list.

If anyone wants to revisit the decision on ISSUE-4, then they should
do so through the normal process described by the chairs, including
the provision of new information so that the discussion can be reopened.

Please understand that all of our discussion since Santa Clara has
been with the assumption of the no-header-by-default requirement.
If that changes, then all of our decisions since then will have to be
revisited.

Cheers,

Roy T. Fielding                     <http://roy.gbiv.com/>
Principal Scientist, Adobe Systems  <http://adobe.com/enterprise>

Received on Saturday, 2 June 2012 23:59:31 UTC