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Protect YourselfPrivacy, Opting Out, Fraud Prevention, and other Tips. JavaScript SnooperA new way of snooping a Web surfer's travels was revealed this week. The exploit uses a simple JavaScript program that runs itself when a user lands on a page containing the script. The script opens a small browser window, with code inserted that tracks your Web site movements and reports them back to malicious host site. It is uncertain at this time whether or not this type of attack can be prevented, other than by disabling [scripting] in the browser. We'll report more details as we learn them. Source: Tip World E-Mailing List, Monday, October 21, 2002 4:29 PM Mailing List AuthorizationFor the last few years, I have been adding this mailing list authorization statement to business correspondence such as magazine subscriptions, catalog orders, signing up for new accounts, and so on. Companies must honor your request because 1) this small label is basically a signed and dated letter, and 2) required by law when your request is in writing. Works out kind of well, don't you think.
I do not want my name, address, or other contact information placed on any mailing list whatsoever; this includes telephone, mail, electronic mail (e-mail), and other lists. I forbid the use, sale, rental, or transfer of my name, address, or other contact information.
Source: Anthony Missico, Jr., Friday, February 22, 2002 12:00:00 PM Federal Trade CommissionThe web page Sharing Your Personal Information: It's Your Choice is provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This should be your first stop in your quest for information to help protect your privacy The FTC publishes a free brochure, Unsolicited Mail, Telemarketing and Email: Where to Go to "Just Say No," that provides information on how you can cut down on the number of unsolicited mailings, calls and emails you receive by learning where to go to "just say no." Opting OutWeb advertising companies track your every move as you browse the World Wide Web. They do this by placing a token that is globally unique on your computer through the use of "cookies". Meaning, you and only you have this unique number. Every time you visit a site, a request is made for this unique token by the advertising company's ads used on the site. Viola, you are tracked, profiled, and your privacy has been violated. After days and days, weeks and weeks, the advertising company generates information about this unique token's habits. In other words, they start to understand your likes and dislikes, what you will buy, when you will buy, and for how much. Give your real name and personal information on a web site, such as a free mail service, registering for an online travel agency just so you can check prices, and so on, and they can tie this contact information to the unique token. Do you think these online services are providing discounted prices and free services because they like you? You must "opt-out" to stop these companies from tracking you. Visit the "opt-out" page provided by the Network Advertising Initiative. More Information
Created: 21 Mar 2005 11:51:05 -0800
Changed: 28 Oct 2005 08:22:09 -0800 |
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Download the Microsoft Word document 
You will need to opt-out every time you delete cookies.
You will need to opt-out when you buy a new computer.
You will need to opt-out for each browser you use on a computer.
When you opt-out, a generic token replaces the unique token in the cookie the company keeps on your computer. When you delete the cookie, a new one is issued with, of course, a globally unique identifier, ready to track your habits again, and violate your privacy.