From: http://technews.netscape.com/news/0-1005-200-2123118.html?tag=st.ne.1005.thed.ni U.S. government admits Net privacy breach By Reuters Special to CNET News.com June 21, 2000, 3:45 p.m. PT WASHINGTON--The White House today acknowledged that its own anti-drug office's Web site may have been collecting personal data about visitors, a violation of federal policy. The disclosure came less than six hours after the White House endorsed an Internet industry initiative aimed at boosting online privacy through design changes to Web sites and browsing software. "Today, White House officials learned for the first time from the Office of National Drug Control Policy about certain practices by ONDCP contractors that could result in the collection of information about consumers and their Internet use," press secretary Joe Lockhart said in a statement. At issue is the use of "cookies," small bits of software placed on the hard drives of Internet users to determine, among other things, which online advertisements are seen by them. Cookies can also be used to collect personal data about Web surfers. "We will take all steps necessary to halt these practices now," Lockhart said. "Specifically, ONDCP will halt the use of cookies on its behalf." Lockhart said the anti-drug office had never "requested or received any personally identifiable information based on the use of cookies." ONDCP has directed its contractors to destroy any data held by contractors and gathered through the use of cookies, he said. Federal policy states that the White House and agency Web sites must have clearly posted privacy policies, and we will comply with those policies, Lockhart added. "In addition, we are committed to making sure that contractors of federal sites fully and completely meet those same standards." Earlier in the day, Lockhart announced the White House's home page would be among the first demonstrating a new privacy standard, P3P (Platform for Privacy Preferences), along with that of the Commerce Department and 35 or so other pioneer sites. Story Copyright © 2000 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. ================================================================= Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, YHVH, TZEVAOT FROM THE DESK OF: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> *Mike Spitzer* <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ~~~~~~~~ <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> The Best Way To Destroy Enemies Is To Change Them To Friends Shalom, A Salaam Aleikum, and to all, A Good Day. ================================================================= <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html <A HREF="http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
