IP: "Bugnosis" [seems to work djf]

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> A privacy software package has been launched that specifically targets a new
> form of Internet tracking.
>
> The Privacy Foundation has unveiled Bugnosis, a special program to detect
> webbugs. Webbugs are tiny image files which are being used increasingly to
> identify and track computer users. Bugnosis, which can be downloaded through
> the World Wide Web, is installed as a plug-in to existing Internet browsers,
> causes individual computers to say "uh-oh" when a webbug is encountered. It
> also logs the URL associated with a given webbug as well as further details
> as to the intruder's properties (such as whether the bug is connected to
> other digital identification files, including cookies). Moreover, Bugnosis
> places marks a viewed site so that the user can actually see the exact
> location of a particular webbug on the page. If the program discovers that a
> webbug is associated with certain well-known companies (such as Internet
> advertising giant DoubleClick), it allows the user to send an email message
> directly to the webbug owner for further queries or outright complaints.
>
> The Foundation hopes that this program will increase public awareness and
> openness about these tracking devices. For example, the organization argues
> that "Web site privacy policies should disclose the use of Web bugs. In
> fact, the general practice of online profiling by third-party ad networks
> should be disclosed in privacy policies, but is rarely mentioned."
>
> To download Bugnosis, click
> http://www.bugnosis.org



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