The Network Advertising Initiative (NAI), a coalition of network advertisers based in Cleveland, recently released guidelines aimed at websites that use "web bugs" or "web beacons". These "web bugs" track a user's activity on a website. A "web bug" is often used to collect profile information which is then used for advertising and marketing purposes. The guidelines require websites to notify the user when a "web bug" is being used and when personal information is being collected. Furthermore, the guidelines require that the website provide the user with an opt-out if the information being collected is going to be disseminated to a third party. If the information collected by the "web bug" is considered to be health, financial or other such personal data, the guidelines call for the website to provide the users with an opt-in feature. The purpose of the guidelines is to ensure that businesses and consumers feel comfortable using the Internet. For more details, visit: http://news.com.com/2100-1023-975385.html For a copy of the NAI Principles, visit: http://makeashorterlink.com/?S2FA535A2

E-TIPS® ISSUE

02 12 05

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