Online, you are your data dossier. Most computer users don't realize that Internet businesses are compiling data about them and their Web-surfing history and habits. Even those who are aware of the tactics would be dazed by the sheer bulk of . . .
Online, you are your data dossier. Most computer users don't realize that Internet businesses are compiling data about them and their Web-surfing history and habits. Even those who are aware of the tactics would be dazed by the sheer bulk of their electronic profile. Web ad placement firm DoubleClick currently maintains over 100 terabytes of storage. If printed out, that would equal about 300 single-spaced sheets of paper for every Web user.

Companies are perfecting the art of prying online. Information has emerged as the hottest commodity on the Web-the more specific, the more valuable it is to firms that want to target their ads. The data can also be cross-referenced with information from insurers, credit bureaus, retail stores, stockbrokers, and others-then sold, even without the user's consent. While strict federal measures to safeguard children's data took effect last April, there are no similar protections for adults.

The link for this article located at US News is no longer available.