Several companies in the US including Google and Facebook are trying to keep the discussions over the "Do Not Track" regulations with the government private, possibly to avoid opposition to changes to the text that they are intending to negotiate, according to a report.

Experts say that the technology firms might change the definition of consumer tracking in such a way that it might lose any meaningful usefulness to the internet users. Many firms, who rely on tracking user behavior, have been urged to create a process for self regulation on how they gather user information and how they allow users to opt out.

Google had added the do-not-track button on its Internet browser, the Google Chrome. The do-not-track tool will allow users to restrict web portals and marketers from tracking their activity online. Most major browser developers offer a similar feature with the browsers after an outcry by privacy activists and a directive from US authorities.

Microsoft Corp., which makes Internet Explorer and Mozilla, which makes Firefox have all announced different type of protective tools since the US the Federal Trade Commission announced its proposal last year. The next version of Apple's operating system, the Mountain Lion will also include a do-not-track feature.