You might not realize that the Web sites you visit are also recording information about you. Without your consent they can gather your screen-name and other information about your computer, your Internet service provider and more. In addition, some web sites ask you for information. Your on-line company can also gather information about you. They can keep track of your e-mail address and where you go when you surf the Web.
Company policies on use and sale of that information vary.
Much of the information that is collected about you might never be used. In fact, many companies claim they use the information only to improve their web sites. But the information can also be used to send you unsolicited e-mail, or, ultimately, it can be sold to companies that use it to create databases of personal information for marketing or other reasons. Can Do You don't need to disconnect your computer from the Internet in order to protect your privacy. But there are a few things you can do to make your transactions more secure and your explorations more private.