In addition to following the general advice on protecting your privacy, 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."
Another threat to your privacy is spyware, which is sneaky software that rides its way onto computers when you download 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. Browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox, and search engines like Google enable you to block pop-ups. You can also install anti-spyware to stop this 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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