As several major web browsers begin to adopt stronger privacy measures, here are a few things that policymakers and business leaders should keep in mind.

By Michael Fertik, contributor

This week in Davos, the World Economic Forum is convening several sessions on digital privacy. (I am moderating one and panelizing and participating in others.) The WEF has taken a leadership role in this field, emphasizing the importance of privacy in the context of cyber security, which the WEF's Risk Response Network has identified as one of the top five risks facing the world today.

Top policymakers from the U.S. and EU, as well as business leaders from around the world, are meeting to discuss the most critical questions concerning personal privacy and freedom on the web, including how to give users more control over their personal data.

Meanwhile, back in their home countries, regulators are taking steps to protect privacy. Germany and Korea have taken action against social networks for opting people into data streams without their permission. And the United States Federal Trade Commission and the Commerce Department are currently taking comments on proposed "Do Not Track" provisions that would make it possible for users to prevent companies from aggregating and mining data about where they surf on the web. More