Internet Tracking DevicesCookies are small text files stored on Internet browsers that assign unique numbers to individual users. These cookies are generally placed on Internet users' computers by websites without their knowledge. Each time a user returns to the site that placed a cookie on their browser, the cookie is sent back by the user to the original website, allowing certain individuals to be remembered over time. In addition, cookies are often placed simultaneously by third parties. The most common third-party cookies are placed by the various companies that serve advertising banners that appear on many websites. Top companies in this business category include DoubleClick and Engage. The placement of third-party cookies is a prime target for e-privacy advocates because it is a mechanism by which the third party can create a cookie-based profile of the sites a user visits. What can users do to protect themselves against cookies? Microsoft recently released a browser add-on intended to provide users with greater control over browser tracking cookies distributed by websites. New features in the updated browser give you a better understanding of different types of cookies and where they come from, as well as an easier way to manage and delete them," according to Microsoft's download site. The latest update Microsoft's browser day drew applause on privacy concerns -- and hesitant acceptance from online advertising companies, who feared that rejecting cookies could limit the effectiveness of targeted ads across the Web. privacy consider that the dangers of the often invisible tracking of users that takes place on the web are largely linked to third-party cookies The last...... middle of paper ...... engaging. not to associate online profiles with real identities However, concerns about the company's tracking of Internet users are not over. Web bugs”, to track users. The advertising company also continues to operate two separate websites: Internet Address Finder (www.iaf.net) and Internet Address Finder. Get Away From It All Sweepstakes Site (www.netdeals.com) - both collect personal information. DoubleClick's privacy practices are neither an isolated incident nor will they likely be the last. Online profiling of unknown users may be acceptable if there is technology that preserves anonymity and a legal framework that supports anonymity. Without such a legal framework, there is no guarantee that profiles collected under the promise of anonymity will remain so...