Internet web tracking is becoming more advanced and intrusive, and selling web information is more profitable than ever.

Recently, the Wall Street Journal found that the nation’s top 50 Internet sites, such as Facebook, Yahoo and YouTube, install an average of 64 Internet tracking systems into their visitors’ computers.

The limitless power of web tracking technology has raised concerns for Congress. The Federal Trade Commission is currently developing new privacy guides for web tracking.

“The problem is [legislation] won’t protect people from the information they volunteered, such as Facebook information-websites’ privacy policies are 10 to 15 pages of legal jargon and are very hard to understand,” said John McGee, coordinator of academic technology. “Facebook privacy policy says ‘subject to change and by virtue of logging in each time you have agreed to this.'”

Websites like Facebook and Google make money by selling web tracking information. Data is arranged and sold according to demographics for around roughly $1 per 1,000 individuals’ information.

One of the easiest things to find out is location (country, state, city). Internet service provider addresses automatically display location and network. They also contain time zone, browser, operating system and even screen resolution.

“When you go to almost any website [you] will be both sending and receiving information-they look at usage patterns and keywords,” Dr. Gregory Pitts, chair of the communications department, said.

Facebook currently has plans to release members’ addresses and telephone numbers to third party companies. The plan has been quite controversial. It is even catching the eye of Congress. The move may encroach on the individual right to privacy.

“It kind of feels like betrayal,” said professional finance major Sasha Leslie. “Facebook was supposed to be fun and free. It feels like an invasion of privacy. It should be against the law.”

The Electronic Frontier Foundation suggests taking the following precautions when browsing the Internet:

1. Do not reveal personal information inadvertently.

Turn on cookie notices in your browser and/or use cookie management software.

2. Keep a “clean” e-mail address.

Don’t reveal personal details to strangers or just-met “friends.” Realize you may be monitored at work and avoid sending highly personal e-mail to mailing lists, and keep sensitive files on your home computer.

3. Beware of sites that offer some sort of reward or prize in exchange for your contact information or other personal details.

Do not reply to spammers for any reason.

4. Be conscious of web security and home computer security.

5. Examine privacy policies and seals.

For more information on keeping your privacy secure, go to www.eff.org.