Web Page Privacy Information

On the World Wide Web you can find volumes of information that discusses privacy issues, but the systems and software tools to protect peopleís privacy online are only now emerging. The information below provide a good overview of what rating systems, software, and services are available for those who may want to learn more about defending their private information.

Privacy Rating Systems

These are systems that have been instituted recently that either rate the degree of privacy of an electronic service or specify that a service has agreed to follow a set of privacy guidelines.

Direct Marketing Associationís Privacy Guidelines

Privacy Assured -- an online transactional security and privacy project formed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and an ad hoc group of Internet and electronic commerce operations, including Four11, I/PRO, Match.com and NetAngels.com. Privacy Assured members are identified by a blue PA logo and agree to follow certain privacy Guidelines. Privacy Assured is the pilot program for eTrust. 

eTrust -- creates certified security and privacy ratings of electronic transactions in order to improve online business practices and build public confidence in Internet commerce. Consumer marks identify three levels of privacy and security. This program is spearheaded by the EFF, CyberSource Corp., Portland Software, TestDrive Corp., and InfoOnline.

Privacy Software and Services

PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) -- encryption software (freeware) that protects e-mail and computer files.

Cybercash -- provides for secure and private purchases online.

Digicash -- provides software to carry out private, secure electronic monetary transactions.

Anonymous and pseudo-anonymous remailers -- accounts used to send e-mail anonymously. Pseudo-anonymous remailers are accounts through one remailer service that knows your real e-mail address. A court order can be used to force a pseudo-anonymous remailer operator to reveal your true identity. Anonymous remailers are harder to use than pseudo-anonymous remailers, but nobody can find out your real e-mail address since the ìCypherpunk Remailersî and ìMixmaster remailersî (the two types of anonymous remailers) e-mail through two or more remailers.

Anonymous Web Page publishing -- possible by opening a shell account with a service that will allow you to remain anonymous.