Web-tracking and Adware Hannah Muihrienne Julie Chris

Levels of Familiarity Number of Indiv. In Class

Definitions Cookies: are small text files downloaded to a user’s computer that preserves preferences on specific websites Cookies: are small text files downloaded to a user’s computer that preserves preferences on specific websites – First Party Cookies: Used by site host domain – Third Party Cookies: Used by domains other than one currently viewing » 1 st party: » 3 rd party:

Definitions Adware: is a software package that displays advertising materials on to an individual’s computer Spyware: are commercially produced for the purpose of gathering information about computer users

Why Created? Cookies remember customer preferences. Cookies remember customer preferences. Adware increase company profits. Adware increase company profits. – Piggybacks on cookies to target customers Spyware is a type of adware Spyware is a type of adware – Designed to aggregate data across websites

Benefits of Cookies Convenient for users who aren’t computer savvy. Convenient for users who aren’t computer savvy. – Remembers User Names and Passwords – Allows for searches and shopping carts to be saved over multiple visits.

Benefits of Cookies Data collection is made possible. – Online sellers lack the ability to see their customers like the owner of a physical store. Data collection allows them to gain a better understanding of their customers and market their product in order to effectively compete with the physical stores.

Using Cookies Use allows marketers to know their target customers with advertisements. Use allows marketers to know their target customers with advertisements. – Makes online shopping experience more personal. – Example: Similar to VIC Cards – Example: Gmail Gmail o Relationship between Adware and Cookies

Drawbacks Unwanted Effects – Popups – Slow down/Degradation of system o Adware Attack Adware Attack

Drawbacks Adware commercially produced at users expense – Often bundled with “free” software – Costs arise through pop-ups/system slow-downs Many users unintentionally download adware – Because they don’t read EULA

Drawbacks Security Security – Third party access to information. – Hackers – AOL example

Users’ Privacy Is Invaded By These Programs Number of Indiv. In Class

Do Users’ Have the Right to Privacy? Invasion of Privacy Invasion of Privacy – Not aware when information is being stored. – Don’t know how long information is stored. – Example: Gmail Gmail Users agree to privacy agreements. Users agree to privacy agreements. – The information is there, but users rarely read it

Government Should Be Allowed to Collect Information Number of Indiv. In Class

Should the Government Have Access to Information?

Several weeks worth of search queries were subpoenaed by the Justice Department Several weeks worth of search queries were subpoenaed by the Justice Department – Test a filtering system to limit children’s exposure to pornography New statutes now require ISP’s to keep information New statutes now require ISP’s to keep information – Help fight global terrorism – Limit children’s exposure to online pornography

Solutions Do-Not-Track-Me List Opt-in settings Educating users

Group Activity Break up into groups and discuss criticisms of these solutions. – Do you think they will work? Why or why not? Can you think of other possible solutions?

Guide to Protection Protection video

Web-tracking and Adware Hannah Muihrienne Julie Chris