Microsoft has rattled online advertisers by enabling the ‘Do Not Track’ technology by default in the Windows 8 Release Preview. Despite what the “trackers” might think, though, the “trackees” will appreciate that Microsoft is being more proactive about protecting privacy, and putting control in the hands of the users.

In a blog post explaining the decision, Microsoft Chief Privacy Officer Brendon Lynch acknowledges that online advertising is important to the Internet economy, and that consumers receive value in the form of a more relevant, personalized Web experience. In the end, though, Lynch states, “We believe that consumers should have more control over how information about their online behavior is tracked, shared and used.”