Yahoo and "Web beacons"

[Luckycat1]

Warning Yahoo is Tracking Group Members

If you belong to ANY Yahoo Groups - be aware that Yahoo is now using "Web Beacons" to track every Yahoo Group user. It's similar to cookies, but allows Yahoo to record every website and every group you visit, even when you're not connected to Yahoo.

Look at their updated privacy statement at http://privacy.yahoo.com/privacy.

About half-way down the page, in the section on cookies, you will see a link that says WEB BEACONS.

Click on the phrase "Web Beacons." On the page that opens, find a paragraph entitled "Outside the Yahoo Network."

In that section find a little "Click Here to Opt Out" link that will let you "opt-out" of their snooping. Be careful! NOT to click on the next button shown. It is an "Opt Back In" button that, if clicked, will UNDO the opt-out.

Note that Yahoo's invasion of your privacy - and your ability to opt-out of it - is not user-specific. It is MACHINE specific. That means you will have to opt-out on every computer (and browser) you use.

Please forward this to anyone you know. You might complain, too, but I'm not sure if anyone is listening..

Related article:

Yahoo Web Beacons Igniting Controversy Yahoo's current privacy policy is causing consternation among some users who object to their use of so-called 'web beacons'. Known in most circles as web bugs, these invisible images are embedded in websites and email and used to track your surfing - and even tell whether you've opened a particular email.

Your comments please........

 

[ILove2Tickle1]

ô.o Web Beacons? I wonder if that might have been some of the lag time issues I've been expereincing with accessing other sites. I opted out as soon as I saw this post. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[nessonite1]

Im unclear on something...

The way I read it is that they track you on their site and the sites of certain "partners" right? Not all over the web?
Either way, this is retarded.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Also, apparently this tracking is completely optional if they allow you to opt out. So the uproar doesn't make that much sense either as you can choose whether or not to be watched. It would be different if they gave you no choice. Then it's an invasion of privacy.

 

[Journia]

But sir, how many people know about this? I certainly was not aware of this until I happened to glance at this. There may yet be an uproar if I stick my hands into the pot.

 

[nessonite1]

So the uproar doesn't make that much sense either as you can choose whether or not to be watched

No. I would hardly call it optional if they don't tell you about it except for an obscure link deep in the privacy policy. Even if they argues that everyone should be reading through it carefully before they join it is worded so people will skim over it and not think anything of it. Also you're "opting in" to something just by signing up. Yes it's optional, but only techincally. If nobody knows they've opted in they won't know whether they want to opt out or not.

 

[MistressValerie1]

This site has some information about protecting yourself from web beacons and tracking cookies by using a free Hosts file: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm (Please read the instructions carefully before using the Hosts file, especially on Windows 2000 and XP computers.)

A properly designed Hosts file can prevent web beacons from "phoning home," so even if websites set them in your browser, they won't be able to compromise your privacy. I've used a Hosts file for years and recommend it to everyone who is privacy-conscious.