Gavin brings up a very interesting issue.  You also have those cookie
issues.

Anyway, last fall I had to write a paper on investing with the internet
and of course security was the main item I was concerned with.  I came
across a site (www.etrust.com) that was rather interesting.

In short, this co-op or JV is attempting to define a "Good Housekeeping
Seal of Approval" icon for web sites.  They have three icons: one that
tells you the site is not taking any information, one that tells you
the site is taking information for themselves and one that tells you
the site is taking information not only for themselves, but that they
will resell or give it to others.  As with accounting of public
companies, there is auditing (two of the partners are big 6 accounting
firms) to help ensure that the site is actually doing what it says it
is doing (No, this doesn't keep cheaters from cheating).

It's a long shot to help users of the web decide if they want to visit
the site.  There some type of method to hit the site, see what the icon
is and then decide to continue.

They're located in San Fransico and I would recommend taking a look at
the site to see what they're up to.  You might find that it would be of
interest and benefit.

Just an FYI.

LB