We had (have?) that flag in browsers.

But once too many people switched it in the 'do not track' mode, the industry decided to simply ignore it.

You cannot get a more clear sign that government pressure and laws are needed, than that.

I think there's a recent ruling states that web pages can't ignore the Do Not Track flag sent by the browser, and another one is coming for cookie preferences, too.

> But once too many people switched it in the 'do not track' mode, the industry decided to simply ignore it.

My recollection was that it was Microsoft deciding to turn this flag on by default that led to it being ignored by Google. I.e. Microsoft saw a chance to use it against their biggest rival, diluting it in the process and gaining nothing.

I think there's an argument for trying again but requiring an explicit choice. And then give it the force of law.

I do not use "do not track" mode but these banners are still there.

The law might get fixed eventually, but I fear we will never go back to how the web was before because flooding people's screens with popups has become the norm everywhere and among all types of organisations with very few exceptions.