One of my Yahoo groups just got this e-mail message. While I wouldn't be embarrassed with what websites I visit, I still don't like the idea of Yahoo monitoring all my internet usage, even outside of groups. Sorry if you already knew this, but I'd never heard of it before. Forwarded e-mail:
Yahoo Is Tracking Group Members
If you belong to ANY Yahoo Groups - be aware that Yahoo is now
using "Web
Beacons" to track every Yahoo Group user. It's similar to
cookies, but allows Yahoo to record every website and every group
you
visit, even when you're not connected to Yahoo.
Look at their updated privacy statement at
About half-way down the page, in the section on cookies, you will
see a
link that says WEB BEACONS.
Click on the phrase "Web Beacons." On the page that opens, find a
paragraph entitled "Outside the Yahoo Network."
In that section find a little "Click Here to Opt Out" link that
will let
you "opt-out" of their snooping. Be careful! NOT to click on the
next
button shown. It is an "Opt Back In" button that, if clicked, will
UNDO the
opt-out.
Note that Yahoo's invasion of your privacy - and your ability to
opt-out of
it - is not user-specific. It is MACHINE specific. That means you
will have to opt-out on every computer (and browser) you use.
Please forward this to your other groups. You might complain, too,
but I'm
not sure if anyone is listening..
Related article:
Yahoo Web Beacons Igniting Controversy
Yahoo's current privacy policy is causing consternation among some
users
who object to their use of so-called 'web beacons'. Known in most
circles
as web bugs, these invisible images are embedded in websites and
email and
used to track your surfing - and even tell whether you've opened a
particular email.