Re: Is Invasion of Privacy The Answer?

From: Patrick Carlson <PatrickCarlson_at_cfl.rr.com>
Date: Mon 02 Apr 2001 09:59:22 -0600

ALEX CHUDNOVSKY <alexc_at_jungle.com> WROTE:

>First off, its easy to delete cookies, you just need
>to know where. Look for Cookies directory (hidden
>by default) on your hard drive in Windows directory
>(assumes you using IE). This is true if cookie was
>planted by browser.

>Secondly, browser CAN warn you about cookies, however
>this isn't default setting, and you will have to turn
>it on. I don't think you will survive a myriad of
>warnings about cookies though. Apparently IE6 will
>be more straightforward about that and will include
>some tools that supposed to manager cookies better.


Nice point, but the tracking from within software you
install does not have a cookie in the same sense.
A cookie that a web page or ad sets is pretty limited
and almost passive, software that collects data can
be very agressive. (I am not sure of the status but
look into Netscape Smart Download for an example)
In fact the amount of info that is collected and
transmitted from within software makes cookie data
look like child's play. Checkout www.slashdot.org
for info, they really do a nice job on ferreting
out details on this sort of thing.

Patrick Carlson



Received on Mon Apr 02 2001 - 10:59:22 CDT