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Guarding Your Privacy | |
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AncestorNews: Guarding Your Privacy
I love the Internet for the world of information it offers,
but dislike it for the invasion of my privacy. On one hand,
I can purchase spam-blocking software to keep out unwanted
junk mail; on the other, I have little control over my address
appearing in online databases. I like the convenience of
online ordering, but at the same time, I know my e-mail
address can be sold to just about anyone. Talk about a
double-edged sword!
The one area we can all control is the dissemination of personal
information in online GEDCOM files. With many credit-card
companies using mother's maiden name as a security verification
technique, posting that type of information online just isn't a good
idea. Although I'm an ardent advocate of uploading GEDCOMs and
sharing research, I don't agree with posting information on living
individuals. You may feel differently—and if you do, I'd like to
hear your point of view.
In any case, stripping potentially sensitive information from
GEDCOMs is easy. Most full-featured genealogy software programs
now include an option in the "make GEDCOM" feature to suppress
details on living individuals. If your program doesn't have
this option, pick up a free copy of GEDClean at
www.raynorshyn.com/gedclean/Compare.html.
For more tips about maintaining online privacy, visit these sites:
• Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-Mail
• SPAM Blocking and Filtering Software
• Understanding Privacy from the Better Business Bureau
• Tips for Online Shoppers
• More Resources About Online Privacy Nancy Hendrickson is a contributing editor for Family Tree Magazine. She also is a family historian, freelance writer
and the author of the upcoming book, Finding Your Roots Online, on sale May 2003. Her Web site
is at www.ancestornews.com. E-mail her at stjoemo@pobox.com.
by Nancy Hendrickson
AncestorNews: Guarding Your Privacy
www.cauce.org
dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Shopping_and_Services/Communication_and_Information_Management/Internet_and_World_Wide_Web/Software/Blocking_and_Filtering
www.bbbonline.org/UnderstandingPrivacy
www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/holiday/shoptips.htm
ezine-tips.com/list-tips/list-resources/20001207.shtml
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