The statistical information that may be collected by a Web site, or other source, but is not personally identifiable. Examples of Aggregate Information include but are not limited to demographics, domain names, and Web site traffic. Process that establishes positive ID of a user, device, or other entity in a computer system. Reliable verification plays an important role in ensuring privacy. A navigational program run on a client's computer for viewing World Wide Web pages. Examples include Netscape and Microsoft's Internet Explorer. A child is identified, according to the U.S. Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), as someone under the age of thirteen (13). A small text file of information that certain Web sites attach to a user's hard drive while the user is browsing the Web site. A Cookie can contain information such as user ID, user preferences, archive shopping cart information, etc. Cookies can contain Personally Identifiable Information (as defined below). The unique name that identifies a Web site. Example: "Pfizer," in the Web address www.pfizer.com. Abbreviation for Electronic Mail. Messages, usually text, sent from one person to another via computer. E-mail can also be sent automatically to a large number of addresses (Mailing List). The process by which data is converted into private code to ensure secure transmission. Specialized software and/or hardware designed to prohibit unauthorized access to information on a computer network. The first page of a Web site. Also, the Web site that automatically loads each time you launch your Browser. Any computer on a network that is a repository for services available to other computers on the network. It is quite common to have one host machine provide several services such as WWW and USENET. Abbreviation for Hypertext Markup Language. A defined set of codes that comprise the World Wide Web's standard computer language. A connection between two anchors. Clicking on one anchor will take you to the linked anchor. Can be within the same document/page or two totally different documents. The vast collection of interconnected networks that all use the TCP/IP protocols and that evolved from the ARPANET of the late '60s and early '70s. The Internet (since July 1995) connects roughly 60,000 independent networks into a vast global internet. The numbers that are translated into a domain name (e.g., progressive.com). The address is a string of four numbers separated by periods (such as 111.22.3.444) used to represent a computer or other device on the Internet. Another name for a hyperlink. A record of activity that stores and displays information not explicitly given by user. Examples of such information are date, time, IP address, HTTP status, bytes sent, and bytes received. The option giving consumer complete control over the collection and dissemination of his/her personal information. A site that provides this option is stating that it will not gather or track Personally Identifiable Information about consumer unless consumer knowingly provides such information and consents to the collection and use of such information. The company must have consumer's permission prior to collecting or using the information. The option whereby consumer must actively chose to prevent Personally Identifiable Information from being used by a particular Web site or shared with third parties. Typically, the consumer is asked to choose to Opt Out to prevent the Host from using his/her information. Information that can be traced back to a specific individual user, e.g., name, postal address, e-mail address, telephone number, or Social Security number. Personal user preferences tracked by a Web site via a "Cookie" (see definition above) is also considered personally identifiable when linked to other Personally Identifiable Information provided by user on line. (Compare With Aggregate Information.) Individual formally appointed by a designated approving authority to ensure that the provisions of all applicable privacy and security directives are implemented throughout the life cycle of an automated information system network. The page or pages on a Web site that lay out its privacy policies, i.e., what personal information is collected by the site, how it will be used, whom it will be shared with, and whether you have the option to exercise control over how your information will be used. The set of laws, rules, and practices that regulate how an organization manages, protects, and distributes sensitive information. Any person/organization except who is party of the company or the company's affiliate. Abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator, the global address of documents and other resources on the World Wide Web. The first part of the address indicates what protocol to use, and the second part specifies the IP Address or the Domain Name where the resource is located. A small image in an HTML page with all dimensions set to one pixel. Because of its insignificant size, it is not visible; but it is used to pass certain information anonymously to third-party sites. Mainly used by advertisers. Can also be referred to as a Web Bug or an Invisible GIF. A small image in an HTML page with all dimensions set to one pixel. Because of its insignificant size, it is not visible; but it is used to pass certain information anonymously to third-party sites. Mainly used by advertisers. Can also be referred to as a Web Beacon or an Invisible GIF. The person responsible for updating and maintaining a Web site for a company or organization. A collection of "pages" or files on the World Wide Web that are linked together and maintained by a company, organization, or individual. Anyone with a Web site may be considered a content provider or a publisher.