Warning...Be careful what you reveal about yourself on the Net!
From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Thu Aug 23 14:09:29 2001
[]> Warning...Be careful what you reveal about yourself on the Net!
http://www.stg.brown.edu/webs/endo/endobib.shtml
One word of caution about Internet-based medical sites is in order here: Some tend to be rather invasive. For example, some of them use "cookies." What cookies do is give these sites a way to track your movements through their document hierarchy. Although it is possible to tell your Web browser to disallow cookies, doing so can trigger a cascade of warning messages from persistent sites.
As if cookies were not enough, a few medical sites try to force you to "register" (i.e., to provide certain personal information about yourself). A good rule of thumb is never to give out your home address, phone, social security number, or other vital stat over the Internet. Even when placing a credit-card order, all the company legally needs is your name, card number, expiration date, and a shipping address. If they ask for more, write to the webmaster and complain.
In general: Be careful what you reveal about yourself on the Net!