Did you know when you surf the web companies are collecting data from you? Clickstream data is information that can be gathered by the use of special software on company websites. This lets the company know what kind of things you are interested in, but is this an invasion of your privacy? This is question that has now attracted attention from the "hill."
On August 14, 2008, BusineessWeek published an article titled "Congress to Push Web Privacy."
The article addresses the concern that companies may be crossing an invisible line when it comes to their data collection methods. Companies that utilize clickstreaming software include Google, Yahoo!, and Microsoft. Generally, the information that is collected is used to determine how best to place advertisements on the website. Congressional staff recently asked thirty-three companies to provide outlines on its web-surfing tracking practices. Companies seem to be willing to comply with this request in order to avoid further congressional intervention (Green). However, there is already legislation on the horizon...the Online Privacy Bill of Rights may be introduced in an upcoming session of congress.
View article: http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2008/tc20080813_306363.htm
Souces:
Green, Heather. "Congress to Push Web Privacy." BusinessWeek. (14 August 2008) 10
September 2008 (http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2008/tc20080813_306363.htm).
Turban, Leidner, McLean, Wetherbe. Information Technology for Management. 6th ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2008. p.83.
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2 comments:
clickstreaming can be tricky. it seems to teeter on being ethical and unethical. in some scenarios it can be beneficial, for example online shopping. if the website is keeping a "tally" of items you are interested it can make suggestions of additional items that may be of interest. on the other hand, clickstreaming could easily be come the telemarketing of cyberspace.
Aside from the occasional ad that chases my cursor, I can totally ignore all adds on a page.
Kinda like the day you drive all the way to work and haven't a clue how you got there.
Same with Gdad on TV turning down the volume everytime the commercials come on.
It's all in your concentration.
Plus, there are ways to delete tracking cookies and devices if you know to get into your computer and get the right softwares.
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