NLIS 7
October 5, 2001
(Government Services and Lands)

 

Minister Noel clarifies misleading reports regarding
government's use of "cookies" 

Walter Noel, Minister of Government Services and Lands, said today that recent statements regarding government's use of "cookies" to gather information about its web site are misleading. 
"As minister responsible for consumer affairs, I want to set this matter straight and assure residents of Newfoundland and Labrador that there are no security or privacy concerns resulting from government's use of cookies." 

On September 27, NTV made reference to a letter sent by Opposition Leader Williams to Minister Noel on September 25 which implied that government was collecting and storing personal information on people who visited its web site.

Minister Noel said the NTV news story, as well as an earlier Telegram article, do not accurately reflect the nature of cookies or the way in which government uses them. 

"Government is not collecting or storing any personal information about individuals through the use of cookies.

"Cookies are not programs. They do not run as programs do. They cannot gather personal information from the user's computer.

"Almost every major business site uses cookies as we do. We are simply following common practice.

"While government does use cookies to assist with searching on its telephone directory, for obtaining statistics on site usage, and on its motor registration renewal site to facilitate the user's progress through that site, no personal information is collected or stored through the use of cookies.

"I trust that citizens will continue to exhibit faith in the information and services we are providing through our Internet site. Again, I want to assure consumers that no personal information is being collected or stored through the use of cookies."

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2001 10 05                                4:35 p.m.


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