Don’t Let Web Sites Track You

admin — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:32:06 +0000

Cookies are small files that web sites store on your computer’s disk. They allow web sites to store information about your interaction with them. For example, they might store the data required for you to purchase items across the several web pages this involves.
However, cookies – originally called tracking cookies – can also be used to track your movement across the web. Depending on the software using them, this data could be used to create a detailed record of your behavior as you surf. The resulting profile might be used for innocuous purposes, such as targeted marketing, or for malicious reasons, like spying.

Most browsers accept cookies by default. To retain your privacy, set the browser not to accept any cookies other than exceptions you specify. Then only web sites you approve can set cookies on your computer. A few web sites won’t let you interact with them unless you accept their cookies — but most will.
You can also set most browsers to automatically delete all cookies when you exit. This allows web sites to set the cookies required for transactions like purchasing through the web but prevents tracking you across sessions.
To manage cookie settings in your browser, access these panels –

CookieCentral has more information about cookies and how to manage them. Other similar tracking mechanisms include web bugs, Flash cookies, third-party local shared objects. These are less common than
cookies and rather technical so follow the links and see the Appendix if they concern you.

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Don’t Let Web Sites Track You