Protecting your privacy on the Internet must be tackled from several angles.
First, follow the general advice on protecting your privacy. Next, make
sure you only use websites with acceptable privacy policies.
- Look for a privacy policy statement or seal that indicates the site
abides by privacy standards. Take time to read how your privacy is
protected.
- Look for signals that you are using a secure web page. A secure site encrypts
or scrambles personal information so it cannot be easily intercepted. Signals
include a screen notice that says you are on a secure site, a closed lock or
unbroken key in the bottom corner of your screen, or the first letters of the
Internet address you are viewing changes from "http" to "https."
A relatively new threat to your privacy is spyware, which is sneaky software that
rides its way onto computers during the download of screensavers, games, music
and other applications. Spyware sends information about what you're doing on
the Internet to a third-party usually to target you with pop-up ads. You will
need to install anti-spyware to stop this new threat to your privacy.
Protecting Children Online
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act requires commercial websites to
obtain parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal
information from children under 13. For more information, contact the FTC
or click on Kids Privacy at www.ftc.gov.
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