A course module on web tracking and privacy

Abstract

Companies track users' online behavior for profit, using technologies such as browser cookies, flash cookies, AdID, and web beacons. This data is typically anonymous, but there are still privacy concerns. Users also may not know they are being tracked in this manner. There are regulations in the US and legislation in the EU pertaining to online behavioral tracking, and several methods to prevent or limit this tracking. This paper covers a course module which includes an introduction to the topic of web tracking and privacy, and two case studies. Our teaching experience with this course module is discussed. This course module can be adopted in web security courses introducing legal and privacy issues related to the web.