Sears Convinces FTC to Change Mobile Tracking Settlement (2)

The Federal Trade Commission Feb. 28 granted Sears Holding Management Corp.'s petition to update the definition of tracking applications in a 2009 settlement order so it can better compete in the mobile application industry.

The FTC decision to allow Sears to track more user data highlights how consumer privacy expectations grow with changing technology. As cited in the modifying order, changed market conditions and public interest in mobile and online tracking apps led to the approval of the definition update.

In the 2009 settlement with the FTC, Sears was restricted from using mobile tracking apps without express consumer consent ...