IP: Cursor software tracks web traffic WHEN WILL THEY LEARN

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Popular software used by more than 16 million people to 
change a Web browser's computer cursor into cartoon characters and other 
images is quietly tracking its customers across the Internet and recording 
which Web pages they visit. New York-based Comet Systems Inc.'s free cursor 
software reports back to its own computers with each customer's unique 
serial number each time that person visits any of 60,000 Web sites, 
including dozens aimed at young children, that support its technology. 
Computer privacy experts expressed dismay over the behind-the-scenes 
communications, which are sent without warning. But the company insists it 
is not violating customers' privacy because it does not attempt to match 
serial numbers against anyone's real-world identity. See full story