Your Privacy on the Internet
When you visit a Web site, your computer sends to the Web site computer (also called the
host or the server) pieces of information that may be personal to you. Your computer may
reveal your Internet Protocol (IP) address, your computer browser or search engine, other
Web sites you have visited, files you have downloaded, the date and time of your arrival,
the time you spent on the Web site, and features you used on the Web site. Some Web site
computers may collect as many as fifteen different pieces of information from your computer.
These pieces of information can tell a lot about you, your family, job, shopping,
hobbies, political preferences, memberships and more. Some Web sites even sell your
personal information to other persons, organizations, or businesses.
There are some ways that you can protect your identity on the Internet. Software programs
are available (for a price) that enable you to protect your personal information from
being collected via "cookies" and other means. You can also set the security and content
options in your Internet browser. This is simple to do and can normally be found in the
"View" menu of your browser window. If you are not sure how to adjust your settings,
contact your Internet service provider.
For more information about your privacy on the Internet, refer to the Links to Internet Privacy Resources on this Web site.
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