Since the advent of the World Wide Web, privacy has been a major concern for those who use the Internet. To grab a cookie, the programmer who maintains the Web site server instructs a cookie file to retain data the user enters on the Web site or details regarding where the surfer has been on that site. Gathering cookies is a method that World Wide Web programmers use to gain information about those that visit their sites. Cookie proponents point out that gathered data can then be used to personalize a Web site for repeat customers. For example, a site that is personalized with cookies can display different advertisements or retain purchase information for each user, on a return visit.
Programmers can also find out what most interests visitors by tracking visitor progress on the site.
Those who voice privacy fears point out that a cookie file can retain a visitor's credit card number or e-mail address, if the visitor enters either on an Internet site. Those fears have been compounded by some who are actively promoting marketing campaigns based on cookie information. Recently, privacy fears may have been reduced by developments in Internet browsers and software. Both the Netscape and Microsoft Internet Explorer browsers developed notification systems to inform users when a cookie is being set up and allow users to stop the creation of the cookie. Some software programs are available to perform the same cookie-busting functions and others allow anonymous browsing.