diff --git a/sections/changes.include b/sections/changes.include index f7054bfe0c..af67375314 100644 --- a/sections/changes.include +++ b/sections/changes.include @@ -14,10 +14,11 @@ HTML 5.3 Fourth Working Draft
Removes the concept of autofill mantles
-
Fixed clarify usage of autocomplete attribute on input type=hidden
+
Fixed clarify usage of autocomplete attribute on input type=hidden
+
Strengthen the encouragement to use the ping attribute for link tracking.
+
Fixed issue 1456
-

Changes between the HTML 5.3 Fourth Working Draft and the diff --git a/sections/semantics-links.include b/sections/semantics-links.include index df3bb749b6..7a96d86f5d 100644 --- a/sections/semantics-links.include +++ b/sections/semantics-links.include @@ -1015,21 +1015,22 @@ in a tooltip. -
- The <{links/ping}> attribute is redundant with pre-existing technologies like HTTP redirects - and JavaScript, in allowing web pages to track which off-site links are most popular, or - allowing advertisers to track click-through rates. - - However, the <{links/ping}> attribute provides these advantages over those alternatives: - - * It allows the user to see the unobscured final target URL. - * It allows the user agent to inform the user about out-of-band notifications. - * It allows the user to disable notifications without losing the underlying functionality. - * It allows the user agent to optimize the use of available bandwidth, so the target page loads faster. - - So while it is possible to track users without this feature, authors are encouraged to use - the <{links/ping}> attribute, so the user agent can make the experience more transparent. -
+ The functions of the <{links/ping}> attribute such as tracking which links are most popular, + or allowing advertisers to track click-through rates, can be achieved with HTTP redirects, + Javascript analytic software, and the like. + + Nevertheless authors should use the <{links/ping}> attribute for hyperlink auditing, + as it provides several advantages, in particular to give users control over their privacy. + + * Because the final target URL is in the link, + the user has more certainty about where they will navigate to. + * User agents, or extensions, could reliably inform the user about tracking notifications, + and allow the user to disable them on a case-by-case basis. + * It optimizes the use of available bandwidth, and the target page loads faster. + +

Note that currently no browser is known to offer the user an interface + to manage their privacy or even learn when hyperlink auditing is taking place. + So unless users have extensions to do this, the privacy benefits are still hypothetical.