Is it fair to use the web-tracking software of FTC, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to gather some kind of a personal data of the users? A Boston-based web analytics company, Compete did so; as charged by FTC.

Well, the company while accepting the charges disclosed that they, with the help of this software, collected personal information like credit card details and Social Security numbers of the users and that too without making them aware.

It has now been decided by FTC that Compete is strictly restricted to use this information any more. All kind of information that it has downloaded before has to be destroyed. Moreover, it is mandatory for the company to take permission from the consumers before collecting any further data from this software that has been already downloaded onto their computers.

An explanation should be given to the consumers about uninstalling this software. While exposing the traits of Compete, FTC said that that for persuading consumers to download this tracking software, they used several techniques. The company asked consumers to join a Consumer Input Panel using which they will be able to earn reward points for every single review or opinion they share about products and services. They were also lured of getting instant access to a website's information that they visit.