Internet Privacy Protection

As going online becomes a way of life, you risk having your privacy invaded without even being aware of it. Knowing what internet violation to look for can increase your ability to protect yourself.

Cyber Cookies

A "cookie" is cyber slang for information which is stored on your computer so that an online retailer or other online purveyor can identify you easily the next time you go to their website.

Cookies are usually created when you fill out a registration or other form at a website. This process:

• Allows the website to personalize greetings to you when you come to the website again
• Makes things easier for you by not having to give basic information such as your name, address and credit card number over and over again each time you visit the website
• Allows the website to customize your experience on their website by providing only information which you've perused in the past

So what's the violations with cookies?

Many object to the silent placement of cookies because they are often used to surreptitiously track your surfing around the Internet.

Information sharing between companies allows advertising marketers to monitor your personal shopping and information retrieval habits. Marketers can then target you based upon your particular shopping profile.

You can set your browser to eliminate your computer's ability to store cookies or warn you that a cookie is about to be stored..

Protecting Your Private Information

While there are currently no laws prohibiting the use of cookies with adults online, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) prohibits the use of cookies for collecting personal information about a child unless a parent has specifically consented.

If you're worried about your online privacy being invaded:

• Control when and where you reveal personal information. You can fill out forms on secure, encrypted websites without making that information available via the configuration of your Web browser. And you don't have to give your name, address or phone number to people you've just "met" online.
• Look at privacy policies before doing business with anyone online. If a website doesn't have a privacy policy, don't do business with them.
• Opt out of cookie-gathering activities when possible. Many websites give you the opportunity to tell them you don't want information gathered about you.
• Never give your social security number or passwords to anyone, as there is never a legitimate reason for anyone to need this information
• Use a separate throwaway "public" email address instead of the one you use for family and friends. This makes you less susceptible to annoying Internet spam and unwanted marketing ploys.
• Beware of giving your email address or any identifying info to online sweepstakes or contests. These are highly likely to be marketing ploys to gather information about you, which can then be sold to other marketers.
• Use encryption software, some of which is free, to encode your information and make it very difficult for a common hacker to invade.

Spamming

"Spam" is unsolicited commercial mail, coming at you through your Internet service provider. Such unwanted communication is a financial drain on your Internet service provider (and ultimately, you) and can make it more difficult for you to get legitimate email messages.

If you're bothered by spamming violations, here are some suggestions for at least keeping down the volume:

• Send a "Remove" message to the advertiser's legitimate email address or call their toll-free phone line and ask to be removed from their list.
• Ask your internet service provider to block incoming email from unknown sources
• Contact your state Attorney General's office for information on your state's anti-spamming laws and to report violations

A little prevention goes a long way toward protecting your online privacy.

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