[Issue 153] Suggested text

As indicated in [1], I think there are two options I could support for text on this issue:

(a) The spec text remains as is [2], putting choice in the user's hands as to what devices/software/etc they use for DNT
(b) The spec remains silent on anything but browsers, i.e. there is no blanket prohibition on other approaches - the "we'll address that later" approach

For (b), here is some explicit text to consider: "This specification addresses requirements for DNT support only as implemented in web browsers, meaning general purpose software applications for retrieving, presenting and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web."

Note however that the existing text on "user agent" [3] somewhat seems to conflict with the implied/explicit/intended (not by me!) assertion that the only "valid" user agents for DNT are web browsers, and of them presumably a selected subset (again implied or intended, but not explicitly asserted). I've raised a variety of arguments against that restriction in email and IRC/calls, and stand by those arguments. So my clear preference in (a) above.

[1] http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/public-tracking/2013Dec/0074.html
[2] "An HTTP intermediary MUST NOT add, delete, or modify the DNT header field in requests forwarded through that intermediary unless that intermediary has been specifically installed or configured to do so by the user making the requests."
[3] Under "2.3 Terminology": "This specification uses the term user agent to refer to any of the various client programs capable of initiating HTTP requests, including, but not limited to, browsers, spiders (web-based robots), command-line tools, native applications, and mobile apps [HTTP]."

Thanks,
Bryan Sullivan

Received on Wednesday, 18 December 2013 18:40:02 UTC