Internet Tracking DevicesCookies are small text files stored on Internet browsers that assign unique numbers to individual users. These cookies are usually placed on Internet users' computers by websites without their knowledge. Each time a user returns to the site that placed a cookie in their browser, the cookie is sent back by the user to the original website, providing a way to remember particular individuals over time. Furthermore, cookies are often placed at the same time by third parties. The most common third-party cookies are placed by various companies that publish advertising banners that appear on many websites. Major companies in this business category include DoubleClick and Engage. The placement of third-party cookies has been an important focus for electronic privacy advocates because it is a mechanism through which the third party can create a cookie-based profile of the sites a user visits. What can users do to protect themselves from cookies? Microsoft recently released a browser add-on intended to give users more control over browser tracking cookies deployed by websites. New features in the updated browser give you a clearer understanding of the different types of cookies and their origin , as well as an easier way to manage and delete them," according to Microsoft's download site. Microsoft's latest browser update has drawn applause from privacy advocates — and hesitant acceptance from concerned online advertising companies that rejected cookies could limit the effectiveness of targeted ads on the Web. Privacy advocates believe the dangers of the often invisible user tracking that occurs on the Web are largely linked to third-party cookies. The last…half of the card ......promising not to associate online profiles with real-life identities. However, concerns about the company's tracking of Internet users are not over as it continues to use invisible images embedded in web pages, also called "web bug", to track users. The advertising company also continues to maintain two separate websites: Internet Address Finder (www.iaf.net) and Get Away. From the It All Sweepstakes site (www.netdeals.com) - both of which collect personal information. DoubleClick's privacy practices are neither an isolated incident nor likely to be the last. Online profiling of unknown users may be acceptable if there is technology that maintains anonymity and a legal framework that supports anonymity. Without such a legal framework, there is no guarantee that profiles collected with the promise of anonymity will remain so.