Two consumer groups asked the Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday to create a "do not track list" that would allow computer users to bar advertisers from collecting information about them, reports Reuters.

The Consumer Federation of America and the Consumers Union also urged the FTC to bar collection of health information and other sensitive data by companies that do business on the internet, unless a consumer consents.

The move was not unexpected. Back in November, FTC Commissioner Jon Leibowitz held a conference to address growing concerns over tracking and behaviorally targeted ads. At that time, Leibowitz said that the FTC would also be open to hearing more about a proposed do-not-track list that is modeled after the do-not-call list for telemarketers.

Following those proceedings and others, advertisers have made clear a strong preference for self-regulation rather than government dictates on how personal data are collected, what disclosures are made to computer users and how long the information is stored.

Consumer groups said on Tuesday they were skeptical of self-regulation.

"Self-policing schemes are not enough to protect consumers' privacy and offer no enforcement against improper behavior," said Chris Murray, senior counsel for Consumers Union, in a statement.

"While companies like Google are trying to put pretty good practices in place, we don't want to rely on the good graces of the companies because they might change their minds," he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

According to Reuters, advertisers -- while pointing out that they subsidize the free information sought on the internet -- would like to see the FTC and privacy group establish that harm has been done by data collection before instituting any legislation.