Online Privacy (broadcast Friday, March 21st, 2008)

Does it sometimes seem like the web sites you visit know a little too much about you? Perhaps you've been greeted with an advertisement that literally has your name on it, or seen offers that seem strangely targeted to the area you live in. Yet while many people say they want more privacy online, those same people are often likely to exchange data about themselves and their habits in return for rather small rewards.The internet excels at sharing information -- but is that always a good thing?

We'll also talk about Facebook, the popular social networking site. As of March 2008, the company claims over 69 million active users, with an average of 250,000 new registrations per day. But does posting your pictures, contact details, and other personal information on such a site open you up to a complete loss of privacy? In this segment, Ira and guests talk about privacy online. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.