Link to Computer Page

Boyan photoCMU student `Snoops' out threats to privacy

Justin Boyan has been paying attention to information that computers may be collecting about their users. (Warren L. Leeder photo)
World Wide Web surfers who travel from site to site under the illusion their actions are private and anonymous don't know about "cookies." A cookie is like a passport that gets stamped as users visit various sites. This file - also known as Persistent Client State HTTP Cookies - is stored on a user's hard disk. Depending upon the Web browser and platform used, the file is usually labeled "cookie.txt" or "MagicCookie." Those who want to see a sample of the information that can be gathered without a user's knowledge or permission should visit the Center for Democracy and Technology's Web site. The Center for Democracy and Technology, based in Washington, D.C., is a leading voice in public policy debates affecting the future of the Internet and other new communications media.

COMPUTER COLUMN: Privacy? The cookie monster lurks
The explosive growth of the Internet has raised many legal and ethical issues, some of which may not be apparent to novice computer users.

Cybersenior is chat room hostess
Kathleen Gallagher's friends, scattered all over the world, have seen the advent of flight, radio, television, atomic power and space travel.

Government pulls some records off Internet
Accused of putting Americans' privacy at risk, the Social Security Administration on Wednesday suspended an Internet service that gave taxpayers access to their earnings and benefits records.


Pro mines the Internet for data
Graduate student Connie Robinson needed information about the federal Americans with Disabilities Act for her new job.

Municipal governments flirt with laptop technology
Future Hampton Township Council meetings may be attended by local politicians who, instead of clutching a binder overstuffed with papers, carry laptop computers.

Program teaches recycling
A new multimedia computer program unveiled last week is designed to teach school children about the importance of recycling.

Return To Main Page Return to Main Page ...