Privacy and the Internet Essay -- Computers Technology Papers

Privacy and the InternetThe Internet provides a wealth of sources for information, products, and run of all types, making it a convenient place for consumers to research topics and take a leak purchases. Although Internet drug users know that some personalized data will be required to make a purchase, they are often unaware of the personal data that merchant ship be placid without their knowledge by only when visiting a Web page or reading email. This story addresses some of the ways unauthorized personal information has been and is being collected and steps that can be taken to prevent or quash this collection.To make an online purchase, an Internet user must provide a legitimate amount of personal information to the vendor. This information usually includes the users name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and credit card data. There have been some reported cases of security department failures at online vendors of products and services. Because of this publicity, most Internet users are aware that there is a potential for the information they provide to be exposed to the world whether by human error, careless security practices by a vendor, or a successful attack by a hacker. However, most users are non aware of the amount of personal information that can be collected without their consent when they do such ordinary things as visiting a Web page, opening a document, or reading an e-mail message.How can personal information be collected without the users knowledge? Information somewhat an Internet user can be collected in many ways, including the underlying protocol of the Web, cookies, banner advertisements,Web bugs, and hi-tech toys. A user may also provide information to an online vendor to reduce annoyances. some every ... ... Clients Susceptible to Wire-Tapping. February 5, 2001. www.internet countersign.com/dev-news/article/0,,10_579871,00.html. Accessed October 30, 2001.Lemos, Robert. ZDNet News. No easy way to decimate Web bugs. August 31, 2000. techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/0,14179,2622610,00.html Accessed October 30, 2001.Sullivan, Jennifer and Jones, Christopher. Wired News. How Much Is Your Playlist Worth? November 3, 1999. http//www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,32258,00.html. Accessed October 31, 2001.Vendor sitesIntelytics products. www.intelytics.com. Updated Unknown. Accessed October 10, 2001,X10 pop-up. www.x10.com/x10ads1.htm. Updated Unknown. Accessed October 9, 2001.Netscape. Persistent Client State - HTTP Cookies. home.netscape.com/newsref/std/cookie_spec.html. Updated 1999. Accessed October 30, 2001.