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Entry bubble Online Privacy: Is it actually possible?

By: Sommer | November 16, 2007 | Category: General

About two weeks ago, I attended a Federal Trade Commission Town Hall meeting about online privacy issues. This meeting really sparked the consumer advocate in me and I immediately wanted to step into action and single handedly change the world to protect the consumer interest!

After sitting through the meeting, however, I began wondering if there's even potential for online privacy. Or, are we so far past the possibility that there’s no going back. With spyware, cookies, tracking cookies, online ads and privacy policies on almost every site you visit; data losses every time we turn around, and a multitude of log-in IDs and passwords to remember every day, having privacy online seems completely impossible to me.

At the meeting, I learned about some new tools and research that might help make the marketplace a little more transparent though we’ve got a LONG way to go:

  • OnGuard Online provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to teach you about Internet fraud, to secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
  • PrivacyFinder.org: This site, developed by Carnegie Mellon University, allows you to search the web just like any other search engine but it lets you choose an information sharing level you’re comfortable with.  It then uses your preference and compares it to data from the search results' valid P3P privacy policies to help you make a more informed decision about whether you want to do business with that particular company or organization.
  • News.com’s recent article shows how each major search engine uses personal search data complete with a chart that tells you which ones retain, delete, or anonymize your search records, and more.
  • Network Advertising Initiative created a tool to help consumers opt out of online advertising.  It’s definitely not a perfect tool, but, hey it’s a start!
  • World Privacy Forum serves as an information resource for all things privacy.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on some issues related to online privacy. If you’re willing, I welcome you to leave a comment. I’m very curious about the opinions others have on this topic.

  1. What are your expectations for online privacy from companies and search engines?
  2. What’s the appropriate use of your information online: Examples: offer notice before sharing your info vs. offering choice by allowing you to opt in or out of third party information sharing
  3. When it comes to online privacy, what do you care about most? Examples: privacy of financial data, personalized advertising as a result of tracking you on the web, information sharing among third party companies

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: cookies   internet   online   policies   privacy   sommer   spam  

 

Entry bubble Choosing the Right Cable & Internet

By: Jake | October 22, 2007 | Category: Money

Preparations for the move are going well. I am borrowing a friend's truck the first Saturday in November (if I used a mover I would have used the Protect Your Move Guide).

Now I can focus on utility adjustments. Trash, water and gas are included in the rent at both apartments, but my cable and internet bill have been getting a little high and I've been looking to save some money.

Utility rates like water, electricity and gas are regulated by state utility commissions, but cable and internet are different beasts. Local franchising authorities (LFA) regulate cable prices for the basic services tier (includes most local broadcast stations, as well as the public, educational, and governmental channels) when there is a lack of “effective competition.” The LFA does not regulate what cable companies charge for other cable programming. Internet Service Providers have no government regulating body.

When it comes to cable and internet (like everything else), it's up to the consumer to find the best deal. There are many things to consider when choosing cable and internet. Many cable companies also provide internet service and offer bundle packages with savings on each. With cable you need to decide if you want analog or digital. For my cable service I like having a digital video recorder and I need digital cable to get it. As far as internet goes, I prefer basic broadband internet service with a wireless router.

I spent a week weighing the different options. When all was said and done I stayed with my current provider. Why? Before I switched my service I checked with them to see if they have any moving specials and they actually did.

| View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: apartments   cable   internet   moving   utilities  

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