There is a very serious privacy issue here but BeePee's scare mongering distracts attention from the real problem…
BeePee writes - "
However, there are some very dangerous cookies around as well. Some cookies can contain command code to transfer or even delete files to/from your computer, search for your personal details on your machine and transfer such data via the Internet to the cookie owner. The info 'stolen' most often is your name and e-mail but also postal address and phone number! The processes controlled by cookies function in the background without your knowledge and control!!"
This is essentially nonsense but here's the real problem…
An organisation like DoubleClick dumps a cookie on your machine when you visit PPRuNe. This functions as a unique identifier within the DoubleClick database and when you visit other sites associated with the company, any information you provide them can be associated with this ID. For example, the products you buy at the online grocery store, the postal address you provide when ordering tickets online, the email address you provide when you ask for an online insurance quote - all these can become associated with your unique DoubleClick ID. So it's possible for direct marketers to build up a pretty detailed picture of your interests, preferences, etc. This is the problem.
DoubleClick claim that you can opt out of their system here…
http://www.privacychoices.org/
But how many other similar systems are there?
[This message has been edited by stagger (edited 28 March 2001).]