More Thoughts about Online Privacy
Lee's article expands the ideas in my own recent article, What to Look for in a Good Privacy Policy, with some more information about terms that are commonly found in online privacy policies. This helps you cut through the legalese and skim to the most relevant parts of the policies. Lee's article also has some great information about how to avoid problems.
The one piece of advice that works better for people asking for freebies than for sweepers is the bit at the end about falsifying your phone number and date of birth. I wouldn't advise doing that when entering sweepstakes, because the phone number can be used to notify you of wins, and an incorrect birth date could disqualify you from the sweepstake if you win a prize. (If you're sending away for freebies, neither of those issues are a problem, so feel free to follow Lee's advice).
Related Articles:
Alternatives to Using Your Home Phone Number to Enter Sweepstakes | Protect Your Privacy While Sweeping | Vote in the Privacy Policy Poll
Comments
You make very good points about the birth date and phone number for sweepstakes vs. freebies. I would add that sweepers need to be extra cautious since they do need to use completely accurate information.
You need be positive that the site you are registering on is a reputable company. The less savory elements of our society love to get birth dates along with name and address. That information can be very useful to identity thieves.