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More Cookie Investigations

Posted by Zonk on from the chocolate-chip-or-oatmeal-raisin dept.

FancyKetchup writes "This time, C|Net is caught up in cookie paranoia with their 'special investigation' into use of cookies on the Senate and House representative websites." From the article: "Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., for instance, has been a longtime advocate of strict privacy laws to restrict commercial Web sites' data collection practices. In a statement posted on his own Web site, McCain assures visitors that 'I do not use 'cookies' or other means on my Web site to track your visit in any way.' But visiting mccain.senate.gov implants a cookie on the visitor's PC that will not expire until 2035. " Follow up to a story we reported on earlier.

4 of 201 comments (clear)

  1. I wonder.... by Irish_Samurai · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I wonder how many people who think that cookies are horrible intrusions into their privacy really dig websites that auto populate their username and password when they visit them.

  2. Cookies are just cookies by Elixon · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I think that if NSA or others decides to keep eye on you - they don't need cookies at all :-)) They have also other more effective technologies in the pocket... So why so big bang around cookies while your phones are being tapped without the court approval?

    --
    Well, I've got to get back to work. When I stop rowing, the slave ship just goes in circles.
  3. whooboy. by User+956 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., for instance, has been a longtime advocate of strict privacy laws to restrict commercial Web sites' data collection practices. In a statement posted on his own Web site, McCain assures visitors that 'I do not use 'cookies' or other means on my Web site to track your visit in any way.' But visiting mccain.senate.gov implants a cookie on the visitor's PC that will not expire until 2035. "

    Because, as we all know, all politicians are fully versed in technology and its myriad uses.

    --
    The theory of relativity doesn't work right in Arkansas.
  4. Stupid Question by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If CNet is so concerned about the government using cookies why does CNet use cookies? Why does CNet allow their advertisers to use cookies? Why does CNet and their advertisers use Flash?

    Oh, you didn't know that Flash is the new favorite means of tracking you? Hold onto your seat Tonto, you're about to get a wake up call! Flash is far more effective than any cookie ever was and no one seems to notice. Have a look at the contents of:

    ~/.macromedia

    or

    C:\Documents and Settings\User_Name\Application Data\Macromedia\