RE: ONLINE-ADS>> Whose hand is that in the cookie jar?

Robert Grosshandler (rob_at_eyecash.com)
Tue, 15 Apr 1997 12:06:23 -0500

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Bob Stewart asked about non-domain specific cookies. Here is an example of
how the system can be used to track usage across sites:

I visit Site A which has a DoubleClick banner ad on it. DoubleClick
records the fact that I visited (without knowing who I am) and drops a
cookie (which contains a unique number - XYZ).

Later, I visit Site B, which also has a DoubleClick banner on it. First,
DoubleClick gets the cookie. Now, they know unique visitor XYZ visited
Site A, and when I visited. They can serve up an ad at Site B based on my
visiting Site A, record the fact that I have visited Site A and B, and lay
waiting for me to visit another site.

As you can see, they can derive a whole bunch of info, even though the
cookie is domain specific to DoubleClick.

I believe that this is the exact scenario that the IETF is working to prevent.

In fairness to DoubleClick, there are others who do this, they don't hide
the fact that they can do this, and there is no evidence to my knowledge
that they "misuse" this information.

Hope this helps,

Rob

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