We use Netscape 3.0 and intentionally set the preferences to display a dialog box which alerts us whenever a server wishes to send a cookie. Of course, the web page won't load until the dialog box disappears. Other users, feeling impatient after over-loading on caffeine at the capuccino bar, turn off the preference option allowing cookies automatically. Joe who decides to check out XYZ site while at work. Stranger things have happened.
Privacy invasion is certainly nothing new on the Internet.
The possibilities are chilling. Once you're on a list, it can take several attempts to be removed from the list. Shareware is also available to munch these cookies. More Cookies 1.0. Of course, beware of the pesky browser bugs who seem to lurk in certain versions of Netscape.