NetSol using Email cookies to ID users

[George <georger () NLS NET>]

Recently I've been getting spams from Network solutions, it appears they are
sending a newsletter called "TheDotComNews" to everyone who has registered a
domain name. Each time I get one (I have a number of domains) and go to read
it in Outlook Express I get a warning from Atguard about an attempt to put a
cookie on my machine. Upon viewing the source of the email I find this line
of code

<img
src="http://graphics.e-dialog.com/graphics/1009315104|||965764965&&&Q3_enews
letter_0803netsol">

it is a simple blank image they use in order to get your email program to go
and touch their server which then places a cookie on your machine. I'm
assuming this cookie identifies you so if you follow any of the links in the
email they can track who you are and which pages you viewed. (since they
sent you an email based on your domain registration they know exactly who
you are).

This to me seems like a pretty major invasion of privacy and in light of the
recent US governemt stance on cookies I think it is totally inappropriate
for an outfit like Network Solutions to be using a technique like this.

I also think Microsoft should answer as to why there is no off switch for
this in Outlook Express so users can protect their identity from anyone who
feels like sending them an email using a technique like Network Solutions is
using.

Geo.