A wealth of direct and indirect information about Internet users is available to any web site they visit. For example, online software registration can send the configuration and content information of your personal computer to the registering entity. In addition, your Internet Service Provider keeps logs of the sites you visit for a limited period of time. This activity is seldom monitored, however ISP's are required to produce these logs for legal authorities if requested. Most sites track visitor frequency and duration to customize their content.
Most web sites keep track of how visitors use their site.
Frequency of visits, duration and selected links all may be tracked to provide users with the content they want most. Be wary of sites without clear, concise privacy policies. Internet sites that provide the highest levels of personal privacy will publish an explicit privacy policy. If you are concerned about safeguarding your privacy, look for and understand the privacy policies of the sites you visit. The purpose or intended use of any information that is gathered by the site should be fully disclosed.