Privacy
Information from About Guides and partners relating to Privacy
Europe Mulls Six-month Limit for Search Engine Data Storage
(News) Search engine companies may be set for a clash with European regulators over how long personal data related to searches sh...
(News) Search engine companies may be set for a clash with European regulators over how long personal data related to searches sh...
FTC Settles Breach Complaint With Student Lender
(News) Goal Financial, which lends to students, failed to protect customers' personal data.
(News) Goal Financial, which lends to students, failed to protect customers' personal data.
Security Updates--WinPatrol, Lock Bumping Facts
(How To) This week: A better WinPatrol, a perfect hard drive destroyer, and an easy way to pick a lock.
(How To) This week: A better WinPatrol, a perfect hard drive destroyer, and an easy way to pick a lock.
Nashville laptop theft may cost $1 million
(News) The theft of a laptop containing Social Security numbers of Nashville, Tennessee, area voters is expected to cost local officials about US$1 million as they roll out identity-theft protection to those affected.
(News) The theft of a laptop containing Social Security numbers of Nashville, Tennessee, area voters is expected to cost local officials about US$1 million as they roll out identity-theft protection to those affected.
Sears sued over privacy breach
(News) Sears Holdings is facing a class-action lawsuit after making the purchase history of its customers public on its Managemyhome.com Web site.
(News) Sears Holdings is facing a class-action lawsuit after making the purchase history of its customers public on its Managemyhome.com Web site.
European Security Officials Challenge Traveler Data Disclosure
(News) Europe's top data protection official criticized plans for air passenger records like those gathered by U.S. authorities.
(News) Europe's top data protection official criticized plans for air passenger records like those gathered by U.S. authorities.
FTC Settles with Web-Based Seller of Phone Records
(News) The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has settled a complaint with a Web-based company it accused of selling people's telephone records without permission, the agency said.
(News) The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has settled a complaint with a Web-based company it accused of selling people's telephone records without permission, the agency said.
Stolen Laptop Contained Blood Donor Data
(News) Memorial Blood Centers in Minnesota is notifying 268,000 donors of theft of their Social Security numbers.
(News) Memorial Blood Centers in Minnesota is notifying 268,000 donors of theft of their Social Security numbers.
Facebook Tweaks Beacon Again; CEO Apologizes
(News) Facebook will give its members the ability to completely decline participation in the company's controversial Beacon ad system.
(News) Facebook will give its members the ability to completely decline participation in the company's controversial Beacon ad system.
Google working to make Street View anonymous
(News) In the face of ethical concerns, Google is considering changes to its Street View Google Maps feature that would protect the privacy of those it photographs.
(News) In the face of ethical concerns, Google is considering changes to its Street View Google Maps feature that would protect the privacy of those it photographs.
EU looks to collect air passenger data
(News) In a bid to beef up counterterrorism, the European Commission Tuesday proposed rules allowing authorities easier access to the databases of Internet service providers, and a system of vetting air passengers entering and leaving the European Union.
(News) In a bid to beef up counterterrorism, the European Commission Tuesday proposed rules allowing authorities easier access to the databases of Internet service providers, and a system of vetting air passengers entering and leaving the European Union.
Monster shuts down rogue server after breach
(News) Monster Worldwide Inc., whose job-hunting sites suffered a massive data breach caused by hackers, has shut down a rogue server that had been used to gather personal details of job seekers.
(News) Monster Worldwide Inc., whose job-hunting sites suffered a massive data breach caused by hackers, has shut down a rogue server that had been used to gather personal details of job seekers.
UK opposition warns to scrap ID cards
(News) U.K.'s Conservative Party has reiterated that it will scrap the government's #5.3 billion (US$10.8 billion) ID cards scheme as ministers announced that the delayed procurement for the program had finally begun.
(News) U.K.'s Conservative Party has reiterated that it will scrap the government's #5.3 billion (US$10.8 billion) ID cards scheme as ministers announced that the delayed procurement for the program had finally begun.
Health experts: E-health records privacy rules needed
(News) The U.S. needs new medical privacy rules as the country moves toward greater use of IT to store health records, a group of health-care experts said Wednesday.
(News) The U.S. needs new medical privacy rules as the country moves toward greater use of IT to store health records, a group of health-care experts said Wednesday.
Washington state gets $1M settlement with 'safe surf' vendor
(News) The operator of two computer privacy services has agreed to pay up to US$1 million in refunds to customers to settle charges of using deceptive marketing techniques and selling the customer's personal information.
(News) The operator of two computer privacy services has agreed to pay up to US$1 million in refunds to customers to settle charges of using deceptive marketing techniques and selling the customer's personal information.
Garmin opens GPS data to Web site developers
(News) Garmin International Inc. has published some APIs for connecting to its GPS devices, making it easier for Web developers to write applications that use information about where consumers are located, the company announced Tuesday.
(News) Garmin International Inc. has published some APIs for connecting to its GPS devices, making it easier for Web developers to write applications that use information about where consumers are located, the company announced Tuesday.
US, EU officials hopeful on airline data privacy pact
(News) European Commissioner for justice and home affairs Franco Frattini said Monday he is confident the European Union and the U.S. can reach an agreement on how to handle personal information about European citizens flying to America.
(News) European Commissioner for justice and home affairs Franco Frattini said Monday he is confident the European Union and the U.S. can reach an agreement on how to handle personal information about European citizens flying to America.
Corporate data slips out via Google calendar
(News) It's not clear what gets discussed during McKinsey & Co.'s weekly internal communication meeting, but the dial-in number and passcode for the event can be easily found by searching with Google.
(News) It's not clear what gets discussed during McKinsey & Co.'s weekly internal communication meeting, but the dial-in number and passcode for the event can be easily found by searching with Google.
RFID helps the Boston Marathon run
(News) For the approximately 23,500 registered athletes competing in next Monday's Boston Marathon, additional measures are required beyond proper training, good running shoes and a carbohydrate-laden pre-race dinner. Technology is now as critical as stretching, and will play a role in the race's 111th iteration.
(News) For the approximately 23,500 registered athletes competing in next Monday's Boston Marathon, additional measures are required beyond proper training, good running shoes and a carbohydrate-laden pre-race dinner. Technology is now as critical as stretching, and will play a role in the race's 111th iteration.
New Credit Cards Leak Personal Info
(News) Some cards equipped with RFID chips send out names and account numbers.
(News) Some cards equipped with RFID chips send out names and account numbers.
HP case wraps up but pretexting problem remains
(News) Although the criminal case involving the pretexting scandal at Hewlett-Packard Co. is coming to a close and a new federal law makes pretexting illegal, it will likely remain a problem for phone companies and other potential victims of the practice.
(News) Although the criminal case involving the pretexting scandal at Hewlett-Packard Co. is coming to a close and a new federal law makes pretexting illegal, it will likely remain a problem for phone companies and other potential victims of the practice.
IBM researchers take on video surveillance privacy
(News) Researchers at IBM Corp. are trying to address privacy concerns about video surveillance systems, part of a broader effort by IBM to build a new business in the fast-growing surveillance market.
(News) Researchers at IBM Corp. are trying to address privacy concerns about video surveillance systems, part of a broader effort by IBM to build a new business in the fast-growing surveillance market.
DHS head: Security and privacy not at odds
(News) The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday downplayed privacy concerns raised by the government's efforts to create standardized, data-chipped drivers licenses across the country.
(News) The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Thursday downplayed privacy concerns raised by the government's efforts to create standardized, data-chipped drivers licenses across the country.
Google to make search logs anonymous
(News) Google Inc. will start making its records about users' searches anonymous after 18 to 24 months under a policy announced Wednesday.
(News) Google Inc. will start making its records about users' searches anonymous after 18 to 24 months under a policy announced Wednesday.
New Credit Cards Can Broadcast Your Personal Information
(News) Many 'contactless' credit cards can allow their owner's name and card number to be read at a distance.
(News) Many 'contactless' credit cards can allow their owner's name and card number to be read at a distance.
Keep Your Secrets: A Safe, Easy Way to Encrypt Files
(How To) Keep Your Secrets: A Safe, Easy Way to Encrypt Files
(How To) Keep Your Secrets: A Safe, Easy Way to Encrypt Files
Feds Ask About HP Spying Allegations
Feds Ask About HP Spying Allegations
Feds Ask About HP Spying Allegations
Reporters' Phone Records Accessed in HP Probe
Reporters' Phone Records Accessed in HP Probe
Reporters' Phone Records Accessed in HP Probe
ChoicePoint to Pay $15 Million for 2005 Data Breach
(news) ChoicePoint to Pay $15 Million for 2005 Data Breach
(news) ChoicePoint to Pay $15 Million for 2005 Data Breach
Privacy Watch: Who's Your Software Talking To?
(howto) Privacy Watch: Who's Your Software Talking To?
(howto) Privacy Watch: Who's Your Software Talking To?
Stopping Carnivore Doesn't Stop FBI Surveillance
(news) Stopping Carnivore Doesn't Stop FBI Surveillance
(news) Stopping Carnivore Doesn't Stop FBI Surveillance
States Begin Security Checks of Driver's License Photos
(news) States Begin Security Checks of Driver's License Photos
(news) States Begin Security Checks of Driver's License Photos
'Tracking' Tags: Tool or Threat?
(news) Growing use of RFID technology draws privacy concerns and defense by retailers.
(news) Growing use of RFID technology draws privacy concerns and defense by retailers.
Privacy Watch: The Credit Card Fraud That Would Not Die
(howto) Replacing a stolen card with a new one fails to stop suspicious activity on one AOL account.
(howto) Replacing a stolen card with a new one fails to stop suspicious activity on one AOL account.
Privacy Watch: Soon, Your Cell Phone May Be Tracking You
(howto) GPS chips in handsets make cell phone tracking services a reality.
(howto) GPS chips in handsets make cell phone tracking services a reality.
Privacy Watch: E@4#N or E@4#W? How to Remember Strong Passwords
(howto) Tips for creating and keeping track of a passel of passwords.
(howto) Tips for creating and keeping track of a passel of passwords.
Great American Privacy Makeover
(howto) An exclusive PC World survey reveals that even savvy Web users can do more to safeguard their privacy and data. Take the quiz and find out how vulnerable you are; then use our tips to improve your score.
(howto) An exclusive PC World survey reveals that even savvy Web users can do more to safeguard their privacy and data. Take the quiz and find out how vulnerable you are; then use our tips to improve your score.
Privacy Watch: California Law Protects Us All From Security Breaches
(howto) New identity theft statute likely to help consumers everywhere.
(howto) New identity theft statute likely to help consumers everywhere.
Revisiting the Patriot Act
(news) Two years after the attacks that inspired the much-debated surveillance law, controversy over it continues.
(news) Two years after the attacks that inspired the much-debated surveillance law, controversy over it continues.
Privacy Watch: Tracked by the Shirt on Your Back?
(howto) Radio frequency technology has the potential to identify us all.
(howto) Radio frequency technology has the potential to identify us all.
Who's Afraid of the Patriot Act?
(news) Scattered communities take largely symbolic stands against surveillance powers.
(news) Scattered communities take largely symbolic stands against surveillance powers.
Feds Must Justify Snooping Tactics
(news) Watchdog groups get a disclosure date in quest for details about how Patriot Act authority is used.
(news) Watchdog groups get a disclosure date in quest for details about how Patriot Act authority is used.
How to Take Back Your Privacy
(howto) Keep spammers and online snoops at bay with these 34 steps culled from the advice of privacy pros.
(howto) Keep spammers and online snoops at bay with these 34 steps culled from the advice of privacy pros.
Companion Service Launches on Kazaa
(news) Altnet's amended plan to sell content and expand its network opens for business this week.
(news) Altnet's amended plan to sell content and expand its network opens for business this week.
Hotmail Policy Raises Privacy Concerns
(news) New view of Passport data leaves some customers unhappy with what they see.
(news) New view of Passport data leaves some customers unhappy with what they see.
Latest Privacy Legislation More Lenient
(news) Stearns bill draws mixed reaction, but 'opt-out' approach raises some consumer concerns.
(news) Stearns bill draws mixed reaction, but 'opt-out' approach raises some consumer concerns.
Kazaa Sneakware Stirs Inside PCs
(news) AltNet's dormant programs will awaken some time in May to ask for your cash, storage space, and system cycles.
(news) AltNet's dormant programs will awaken some time in May to ask for your cash, storage space, and system cycles.
E-Commerce Sites Wary of Proposed Privacy Law
(news) Senators hear receptive consumer advocates; sponsor claims bill would boost online transactions.
(news) Senators hear receptive consumer advocates; sponsor claims bill would boost online transactions.
Is Digital Privacy Entering Dark Ages?
(news) Conference attendees weigh safety issues and individual rights, praise pioneers, and skewer Big Brother's buddies.
(news) Conference attendees weigh safety issues and individual rights, praise pioneers, and skewer Big Brother's buddies.
Steve Bass's Home Office: More Sleazy Web Sites
(howto) Porn sites, dialer software that bilks you, other nasty tricks.
(howto) Porn sites, dialer software that bilks you, other nasty tricks.
How Much Government Snooping Is Okay?
(news) Poll says most Americans are willing to sacrifice some privacy to help nab terrorists.
(news) Poll says most Americans are willing to sacrifice some privacy to help nab terrorists.
Stop That Spam
(howto) Eating more spam than ever? Here's how to keep junk e-mail from ruling your in-box.
(howto) Eating more spam than ever? Here's how to keep junk e-mail from ruling your in-box.
Privacy Watch: Stopping the Snoops Within Your Software
(howto) After baiting you with free services, some software reveals your information to its makers.
(howto) After baiting you with free services, some software reveals your information to its makers.
Snoopware: New Technologies, Laws Threaten Privacy
(news) The FBI's 'Magic Lantern' keystroke logger could help catch terrorists, but at what cost to your fundamental rights?
(news) The FBI's 'Magic Lantern' keystroke logger could help catch terrorists, but at what cost to your fundamental rights?
Internet Tips: Get That #@&* Spyware Off My Computer!
(howto) Prevent spyware from installing on your PC, remove spyware already installed, and switch browsers at will.
(howto) Prevent spyware from installing on your PC, remove spyware already installed, and switch browsers at will.
Home Office: High-Tech Tricks to Stop Pesky Telemarketers
(howto) What to say and tools to use to make annoying salespeople pay.
(howto) What to say and tools to use to make annoying salespeople pay.
Will Anonymous E-Mail Become a Casualty of War?
(news) Privacy rights clash with security needs as options for true online anonymity falter.
(news) Privacy rights clash with security needs as options for true online anonymity falter.
Companies Discuss Protecting Consumer Privacy
(news) Conference attendees look to balance profitable technologies with customer concerns.
(news) Conference attendees look to balance profitable technologies with customer concerns.
Privacy Watch: Intruders at the Modem?
(howto) Wandering the Internet over a cable modem or DSL connection may seem like a joyride, but it could turn into a car wreck if you don't take steps to protect your PC.
(howto) Wandering the Internet over a cable modem or DSL connection may seem like a joyride, but it could turn into a car wreck if you don't take steps to protect your PC.
Up Front: Changing Views of Online Surveillance
(howto) To fight terror, most people are willing to give up some privacy. But how much?
(howto) To fight terror, most people are willing to give up some privacy. But how much?
Can Microsoft Buy Your Loyalty?
(news) Rebate for using Passport service is latest effort to bolster participation before competition strengthens.
(news) Rebate for using Passport service is latest effort to bolster participation before competition strengthens.
SafeWeb Dumps Free Online Privacy Service
(news) Anonymous consumer surfing service abandoned in search of profits through an enterprise product.
(news) Anonymous consumer surfing service abandoned in search of profits through an enterprise product.
PC World Poll Highlights Privacy Concerns
(news) Our online poll shows most readers are concerned about giving the government more power for online surveillance.
(news) Our online poll shows most readers are concerned about giving the government more power for online surveillance.
Home Office: A Counterespionage Guide to Spyware
(howto) Detective Bass details a few of his strategies that can help you keep an eye on the watchers.
(howto) Detective Bass details a few of his strategies that can help you keep an eye on the watchers.
Pondering Passport: Do You Trust Microsoft With Your Data?
(news) The single-log-on Passport service is key to Microsoft's Web-based strategy, but users are skittish about the promise of security.
(news) The single-log-on Passport service is key to Microsoft's Web-based strategy, but users are skittish about the promise of security.
Will Big Brother Track You by Cell Phone?
(news) The FCC requires cell phone companies to track you, in order to find you when you call 911--but what about your privacy?
(news) The FCC requires cell phone companies to track you, in order to find you when you call 911--but what about your privacy?
Anonymous Browsing Gets Easier
(news) Privacy Button lets you activate Anonymizer services via Internet Explorer.
(news) Privacy Button lets you activate Anonymizer services via Internet Explorer.
Latest Online Ad Gimmick: Hyperlinks
(news) Advertisers try aggressive (and annoying) hyperlink technology to make the Web pay.
(news) Advertisers try aggressive (and annoying) hyperlink technology to make the Web pay.
Internet Tips: Create a Junk Mail Removal System
(howto) Filter junk e-mail from your in-box, make a Hosts file more hospitable.
(howto) Filter junk e-mail from your in-box, make a Hosts file more hospitable.
Cellular Spam Could Be Banned
(news) Congress considers ways to curtail cell phone location tracking.
(news) Congress considers ways to curtail cell phone location tracking.
Lawmakers Stump for Internet Privacy Laws
(news) Tech industry pleads for restraint, but Congressional leaders want action.
(news) Tech industry pleads for restraint, but Congressional leaders want action.
Privacy Watch
(howto) Not sure how to read the legal mumbo-jumbo of a privacy policy? Here are the finer points you should look for.
(howto) Not sure how to read the legal mumbo-jumbo of a privacy policy? Here are the finer points you should look for.
Eyes on the Spies
(howto) Here's how to stop the three most common methods snoops use to monitor you on the Internet.
(howto) Here's how to stop the three most common methods snoops use to monitor you on the Internet.
Privacy Matters
(howto) Marketers would love to find out all about you and your online activities. But what personal data should you let them obtain? We report on recent developments in Net surveillance and their effect on you.
(howto) Marketers would love to find out all about you and your online activities. But what personal data should you let them obtain? We report on recent developments in Net surveillance and their effect on you.
Who Should Set Net Privacy Rules?
(news) Consensus is to give business a chance to self-regulate before government steps in.
(news) Consensus is to give business a chance to self-regulate before government steps in.
Will Big Brother Track You By Cell Phone?
(news) Location services must assure customers of privacy to succeed, conference participants agree.
(news) Location services must assure customers of privacy to succeed, conference participants agree.
Internet Privacy: A Matter of Competition?
(news) Privacy policy debate considers legislation, self-regulation, and letting the market decide.
(news) Privacy policy debate considers legislation, self-regulation, and letting the market decide.
SafeWeb's Anonymous Browsing Service
(reviews) Free, Web-based service covers your surfing tracks and foils privacy-stealing code.
(reviews) Free, Web-based service covers your surfing tracks and foils privacy-stealing code.
Microsoft Modifies Passport Policy Amid Complaints
(news) Facing harsh user criticism, company rewrites content ownership rules for password service.
(news) Facing harsh user criticism, company rewrites content ownership rules for password service.
Privacy Watch
(howto) A handful of insurance and medical industry companies want to sell your personal data, but you can stop them.
(howto) A handful of insurance and medical industry companies want to sell your personal data, but you can stop them.
Database Marketers Tell How You Get on the Lists
(news) FTC hearing examines 'trust deficit' between marketers and consumers.
(news) FTC hearing examines 'trust deficit' between marketers and consumers.
Congress Opens Debate over Online Privacy
(news) Eshoo-Cannon bill urges national policy with default 'opt-in' and easy 'opt-out.'
(news) Eshoo-Cannon bill urges national policy with default 'opt-in' and easy 'opt-out.'
Privacy Watch
(howto) If the government decides to hold elections over the Web, it might make the recent election roller coaster in Florida look like a kiddie ride.
(howto) If the government decides to hold elections over the Web, it might make the recent election roller coaster in Florida look like a kiddie ride.
The Spam-tastic Year 2000
(news) Unwanted spam gave one e-mail user plenty to complain about in 2000.
(news) Unwanted spam gave one e-mail user plenty to complain about in 2000.
Is Your PC Watching You?
(news) New desktop snoopware products let anyone--boss, business partner, or spouse--track your PC habits.
(news) New desktop snoopware products let anyone--boss, business partner, or spouse--track your PC habits.
Consumer Watch: Privacy Policy? What Privacy Policy?
(howto) What is a Web site's privacy policy worth?
(howto) What is a Web site's privacy policy worth?
Internet Tips: Tools and Rules of Internet Security
(howto) Learn the rules of Net security, find car prices online, a free HTML editor.
(howto) Learn the rules of Net security, find car prices online, a free HTML editor.
Privacy 2000: In Web We Trust?
(news) Privacy still exists, but just barely. We examine information collection and security in the computer age, identify problem areas, and look for solutions.
(news) Privacy still exists, but just barely. We examine information collection and security in the computer age, identify problem areas, and look for solutions.
Who's Reading Your Mail? Feds Have Their Eye on You
(news) Watch what you confide in chat rooms or forward in faxes. A supersecret federal agency intercepts e-mail and eavesdrops on telephone traffic.
(news) Watch what you confide in chat rooms or forward in faxes. A supersecret federal agency intercepts e-mail and eavesdrops on telephone traffic.