Internet advertisers leave a lot be desired in terms of educating consumers about privacy, FTC Commissioner Jon Leibowitz said yesterday after a conference put on by the agency to address growing concerns over tracking and behaviorally targeted ads.

"I am concerned when my personal information is sold to third parties and when my online [research] is tracked across several websites," said Leibowitz.

Interactive Advertising Bureau president Randall Rothenberg called on regulators to act prudently, cautioning that overregulation could hurt a red-hot sector of the U.S. economy.

Leibowitz also said the FTC would be open to hearing more about a proposed do-not-track list that is modeled after the do-not-call list for telemarketers. Leibowitz also expressed concern that advertisers were gathering data on children.

Tacoda founder David Morgan, who recently sold his company to AOL, told the FTC that collecting data from minors is something his firm steers clear of. Morgan also said Tacoda avoids collecting data on health issues and sexual preference.

Earlier this week, AOL announced that it would launch a voluntary do-not-track list for users who wish to opt out of online tracking.