Das US-Marktforschungsunternehmen NielsenNetrating sucht Internetnutzer, die sich freiwillig eine Tracking-Software installieren, welche alle Bewegungen im Netz an die Firma senden. Zum Wohle der Menschheit selbstverständlich:

On the following pages, we’ll ask you a series of questions about yourself and the members of your household and then ask you to download and install the Nielsen//NetRatings Internet Panel Software. Our software helps us understand how you are using the Internet and gives you the opportunity to take part in our panel surveys and win some cool prizes!

Natürlich gibt es auch Privacy Richtlinien, wo man genau aufgezählt bekommt, was die denn so mittracken:

Once you have registered to join the panel and our software has been installed on your computer, we will automatically collect other information, including personally identifiable information, from you and all others in your household because our software allows us to comprehensively track panelists’ computers and panelists’ activity on their computers, online and on the Internet. For example, we collect information on the type, name and use of some of the applications, files and hardware on your computer, the address and content of the web sites you visit, the date and duration of the web sites you visit, the details of any transaction entered into over the Internet, and the Internet Service Provider being used. Depending on the types of web sites you visit, this may include financial transaction information, health care information and other types of sensitive information. We may be able to collect information contained in the title bars at the top of any „window“ that is active on your computer, depending on the application. This might include information such as the name of a web site you visit, the name of a file open on your computer and, when you have an email open, in some cases will include the subject line of the email. For certain Internet email applications, we may also capture the subject line and email address of the sender in order to identify and report on email marketing.

Wer gerne seine Privatsphäre verschenkt, kann sogar theoretisch irgendwelche Preise gewinnen. Weitergegeben sollen die persönlichen Daten übrigens eigentlich nicht – zumindest nur an Strafverfolgungsbehörden, die nett fragen oder an Firmen, die Features der Software testen wollen und dergleichen. Steht auch in den Privacy-Richtlinien, aber die liest sich wahrscheinlich kaum jemand durch. Aber dreist ist das Vorgehen schon.

Muss man noch etwas beachten? Hmmm, höchstens, dass alles ohne Gewähr ist:

How will I be notified of changes to this Privacy Notice?
We reserve the right to update and make changes to this privacy policy. If we materially change our practices in handling personally identifiable information, as described in this statement, we will notify you by posting the changes on our website at www.nielsennetpanel.com at least 30 days prior to their implementation. Your continued use of our software after the effective date of any changes constitutes your acceptance of all of the changes. We encourage you to review this privacy policy frequently to ensure that you stay apprised of any changes.