FTC consumer guide offers tips for privacy on Internet

Nearly 85 percent of all Web sites collect personal information from consumers. But only 14 percent of commercial Web sites reviewed in a random sample provided any notice to consumers of the personal information they collect or how they use it, according to the Federal Trade Commission Report to Congress on Privacy Online, issued during summer 1998.

In response to the issue of consumer privacy, the FTC and the National Association of Attorneys General have launched a national education effort, the centerpiece of which is "Site-Seeing on the Internet: A Consumer Guide to Travel in Cyberspace," according to a release from the FTC.

The guide, available to the public free of charge, is presented in a full-color, reader-friendly format. Key terms, such as "cyberspace," "links," "URL," "search engine," etc. are highlighted in color and defined in a plain-English glossary of terms.

When traveling in cyberspace, the FTC offers the following tips:

?A little planning goes a long way on the Internet. Try to identify the sites you want to visit or determine the subject areas you're interested in learning more about.

It will help you save time, and if you pay for your online service by the hour, it will keep your charges under control.

?When you enter a Web site, look for a privacy policy that answers your questions about accuracy, access, security and control of personal information, as well as how it will be used and whether it will be provided to third parties.

?Know who you are "talking" to. Don't give out personal information to strangers.

?Don't give out your account password to anyone, even someone claiming to be from your online service. Your account can be hijacked, and you can find unexpected charges on your bill.

?People are not always who they seem to be in cyberspace. Be careful about giving out your credit card number. The same applies to your Social Security number, phone number and home address.

?Be aware that when you enter a chat room, others can know you are there and can even e-mail you once you start chatting. To remain anonymous, you may want to use a nickname for your screen name.

?E-mail is relatively private but not completely. Don't put anything into an electronic message that you wouldn't want to see posted on a neighborhood bulletin board.

?Check your online service for ways to reduce unsolicited commercial e-mail. Learn to recognize junk e-mail, and delete it. Don't even read it first. Never download an e-mail attachment from an unknown source.

Opening a file could expose your system to a virus.

?You can be defrauded online. Don't believe in unbelievable offers.

?Credit rights and other consumer protection laws apply to Internet transactions. If you have a problem, tell a law enforcement agency, such as the Missouri attorney general's office or the Federal Trade Commission.

?Teach your children to check with you before giving out personal or family information and to look for privacy policies when they enter a web site that asks for information about them. Many kids' sites now insist on a parent's approval before they gather information from a child. Still, some openly admit they will use the information any way they please.

The guide also offers several more specific suggestions for Internet safety for children.

"Site-Seeing on the Internet" can be viewed online at

www.ftc.gov/privacy.

Or, to receive a free copy of the guide by mail, call the FTC toll-free at 877-382-2020.

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