Here are privacy tips from the Electronic Privacy Information Center and consumer groups:
Before using a Web site, check for a privacy statement. Read it to determine whether you will be giving away private information and what the company intends to do with it. If you don't agree with the company's policy, "opt-out" if you can or leave the site.
If you can't find a privacy policy anywhere on the site, contact the company or group directly and ask for a copy of its rules. If it has none, take your business elsewhere.
Be alert to the fact that every time you sign on to a message board or chat room, you open yourself to uninvited e-mail messages.
Teach your children not to provide personal information online or respond to online surveys, games or prize come-ons.
If necessary, purchase parent-control software that can block such transmissions.
Check to see whether "cookies" have been placed on your computer. Cookies are files inserted by a Web server to track Internet use.
For instruction on locating and removing cookies
as well as directions on how to surf the Web anonymously go to the Electronic Privacy Information Center's Web site at www.epic.org.
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