Anyone with Internet access knows all too well the convenience of Google. All it takes is a few keystrokes and a click, and a user can find endless information on countless topics.

Unfortunately, convenience comes at a price: privacy.

For years, Google, as well as online heavyweights such as Yahoo and AOL, collected private information on its users by tracking the words typed into its site. This practice, known as "behavioral tracking," is seen as a cash cow for advertisers who can then use the data to target consumers.

But with growing privacy concerns and the increasing number of identity thefts, consumers should have control over what personal information can or can't be collected. A recent proposal from privacy, consumer and technology groups to the Federal Trade Commission offers a practical solution.

A "Do Not Track" list would operate similarly to the popular "Do Not Call" list, allowing consumers to block companies from monitoring their Internet activities.

Sharing personal information should be a choice made by the Internet user — not by companies that profit by playing peeping Tom.