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Online Privacy Protection

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

Cyber Cookies

A "cookie" is cyber slang for information that's stored on your computer so that an online retailer (or anyone else who offers goods or services online) can identify you easily the next time you go to the Web site.

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

Allows the Web site to personalize greetings to you each time you visit the Web site
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 Web site
Allows the Web site to customize your experience by providing only information that you've looked at in the past

So what's the problem with cookies?

Many object to the silent placement of cookies because they're often used to secretly 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 Web sites 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 Web site doesn't have a privacy policy, don't do business with them
Opt out of cookie-gathering activities when possible. Many Web sites 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" e-mail 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 e-mail address or any identifying information to online sweepstakes or contests. It's highly likely that they're 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 e-mail messages.

It's nearly impossible to stop getting spam. However, if you're bothered by it, here are some suggestions for at least keeping down number of spam e-mail you receive:

Send a "Remove" message to the advertiser's legitimate e-mail address or call their toll-free phone number and ask to be removed from their mailing list
Ask your Internet service provider to block incoming e-mail 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.

Questions for Your Attorney

I found some of my personal information on information Web sites like Intelius. Can I get it removed? Is it legal for them to have it without my consent?
An online retailer just notified me that my personal information was stolen from their computers. What should I do? Is the retailer liable if my identity is stolen?
My child has been using my computer without my permission, and the police say he's been using it to buy and sell illegal drugs. Do I have to give the police my computer? They said I could be in trouble, too. Are they right?

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