Your Toolbar is a Spy!

My kids have never understood why they get so much email spam, viruses and malware on their computers.

When I sit down to run a cleanup program, I am always shocked and just a little disgusted to see that they have installed 5 or more handy tool bars on their homepage.  Everything from Google, Yahoo, Shopping Network, TV Now, and more.  There is hardly any space left for text or emails.

I question them about the use of such nonsense and they are never sure how the silly things got there to begin with.

What these tool bars do is collect information about you and send it to ad placement firms all over the country.  They can track keystrokes and websites you visit and most certainly report those findings back to the ad companies that are looking for an audience for their clients.

Ever wonder how Spokeo and Rapleaf know where you live and how many kids you have under 18 in your home?  You, no doubt, told them.  When you install programs and applications, add-ons and such to your computer, for your own convenience,  you gave them permission.  Somewhere in the install process there is a ‘do you agree' button which may include you giving permission for these companies to collect data about you and reveal it to any number of sources who are requesting it.

In recent months, the FTC has taken these actions about this kind of secret information gathering:

The Commission has used its Section 5 powers to pursue deception claims against online companies for a variety of Internet-related claims unrelated to a violation of published privacy policies. These include claims against:

1. spyware and adware distributors that surreptitiously downloaded software onto unsuspecting users'computers,[8]
2. those who made materially deceptive representations in marketing a spyware removal product,[9]
3. those who made fraudulent claims in selling prescription drugs online,[10]
4. a credit reporting company that failed to verify the identity of persons to whom it was disclosing confidentialconsumer information and failed to monitor unauthorized activities,[11]
5. a reverse auction site that used improper promotional activities to solicit users of a competitive auction site,[12] and

• unauthorized charges in connection with "phishing."[13]

Who is spying on you?