Comments on: A Quickie on Internet Privacy

By: Chris Keefer

Chris Keefer — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:04:46 +0000

The one thing that bugs me a bit is that gmail seems to read/scan my mail and target ads that fall in line with my email subjects. I’m looking at one of my emails about BMW leather and at the top I have a banner ad for BMW of San Diego. then I switch to an email about tennis strings and there is a banner ad for String Depot Plus. Is this a more sophisticated cookie application that they are using or is this something else going on? It just seems wrong that they do this and it is blatantly obvious.

By: landon harlan

landon harlan — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:27:59 +0000

Thanks Scott – You know a thing or two about network security, I appreciate the feedback.

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:53:46 +0000

This was brought up on a radio program late last night and so far, Firefox is the only one to offer the NoScript, which fortunately, I have. Some of the bigger scams out there actually forward your email accounts to their own and if you do not sign out of online banking,credit card payments, etc. they are able to access all information.

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:22:08 +0000

All true, this is an interesting debate in that there is little regulation as to how much a site can do behind the scenes to “enhance end-user experience.” So if you are paranoid (like me), then I would encourage utilizing the “NoScript” add-on that can be used with Firefox, that allows just the scripts that you agree to run, actually be executed on your computer.