What do you think about this?! Give me your opinion!!?

Question

Cable television company Comcast attracted a lot of attention when it revealed that it was tracking the Internet habits of its 1 million users. Comcast was recording which Web sites users checked out, for how long, and in what sequence. The company claimed that it was just gathering data for research into how to better serve its high-speed Internet subscribers. The Washington Post revealed that 11 pharmaceutical firms, including giants like Pfizer and Glaxo Wellcome, had made an alliance under which they tracked every click that consumers made on their sites and then compared results. The consumers were never told. Both Microsoft and Intel, along with advertising network DoubleClick, have tracked their users anonymously. Are additional laws needed to protect the privacy of Internet users?

Answer 1

Most websites have the function called access logs. These are files hidden on the server that the "owner" of the website has access to. This can be used to analyse what page users were on before entering the site, what pages within the company's website they visited (and at what time), and also which link (if any) was followed to take the user off the company's website.

There doesn't seem to be any legal requirement to state that access logs are being monitored, and the purpose of the monitoring. And No, I do not think such laws are needed.

From the point of view of a website designer, this information is useful in such that the designer (owner) can see what other interests readers have, helping to target the designer's writing style and content.



Given that most internet traffic is generally insecure (un-encrypted), one can only express caution when surfing the web anyway.

Answer 2

I think the companies do the normal business. They do not invade the Internet users' privacy because they only track what the users click on the companies' products/service/own company related issues, not something else, such as the users' emails or/and Instant Messagers. It is similar to the Yahoo Answer records what you wrote that does not count as invade your privacy.

Answer 3

I consider humans can suppose unfastened to have the opinion that they desire. They will have to be in a position to precise there opinion, and those that pay attention (which will have to be plenty of humans) will have to have an open brain, and perhaps difference there opinion. Some critiques won't become something, however it doesnt imply there nugatory. Even if no one treasures your opinion, you will have to. Its what makes you who you're.

Answer 4

I can say that the giant comapanies that you have mentioned violates the right to privacy of their consumers and should never be allowed. The government should look into the matter to avoid greater problem in the future.

Answer 5

OMG that pretty much breaches privacy laws! I cannot believe they are allowed to get away with that activity. I tell you what though, after hearing this I'm going to stay away from those websites.