"If we were to make a general statement that put the prevalence of these "evils" into a more realistic perspective, we'd have to say that they exist online in proportions approximating those of the physical world. The online world represents of microcosm of the world around us, with its knowledge, its wonder, and its darker side. You wouldn't let the existence of so-called adult bookstores keep you or your family from walking down the street, nor should you let the existence of adult Web sites keep you or your family from using the World Wide Web. The fact that someone might make an unwanted call to your home doesn't stop you from answering the phone, nor should the possibility that someone may send you junk email keep you from having an email account" (Gelman, xxi-ii).
The purpose of this website is not to frighten, but to educate. Yes, there are many back-handed attempts online to get ahold of your private, personal information, but there are also fairly simple steps you can take to avoid being exploited.
Currently, the United States is in need of some enforceable, specific set of standards for online privacy and security. If some measure similar to the EU's Directive on Data Protection is possible, Congress should look into it as a successful method of increasing user comfort and safety online. Initiatives like Safe Harbor appear to do the job, but unless some higher official body has the both the power and means to take action when rules are being broken, the loop of self-regulatory dishonesty will continue.
Additionally, internet users need to become more savvy regarding their right to online privacy. You are never required to give information to a website, and reading a website's privacy policy ensures whatever information you give them will be used ethically. It's a good way to know who to trust.
Finally, we suggest that the best way to uphold your personal privacy online is to remain anonymous, both in interpersonal and commercial transactions. Technologies such as e-cash, remailers, and trusted third-party systems allow users to participate in the online world without divulging personal information. However, until these technologies and companies become commonplace enough to be trusted by the majority of internet users, giving your credit card number when prompted by a secure-looking commercial site may still appear to be the easiest mode of e-commerce.
Regardless of the inherit complexity of the online privacy debate, we feel this issue will continue to resonate strongly with internet users in the coming years. Eventually, standards will have to be set and solutions will have to be formulated. Otherwise, the Internet will become a commercialized, insecure, and big-brotherish institution, not the medium for free publishing and communication that the authors of this site envision.