That "security expert" is clueless. Cookie have NOTHING to do with spyware, and they cannot be turned into spyware.

Further, placing cookies on a government web site cannot somehow track someone's activity throughout the Internet and report back what web sites someone visited. Internet browsers specifically block any attempt of one domain to read cookies from another domain. It can't be done.

The presence of cookies also can't help the government figure out who you are or reveal your personal information. Trust me, they can find out a lot more about you simply by looking at your IP address. And EVERY web site can see your IP address, whether or not you have cookies enabled.

I do agree with the judge's comments about Obama being forwarded e-mails about "fishy" comments. That's a dangerous precedent.   But all the hysteria about cookies is frankly ridiculous.

Thanks Todd!!! My primary objection to cookies is why change that policy now? We've just had Czarina Douglass ask people to report others who object to government health care, coupled with Homeland Security labeling people who don't agree with the administration as potential domestic terrorists.

Additionally we have to rely on Russia to inform us: YouTube - Obama passing new law to allow searching of PC's, Laptops, and media devices

http://blogs.lotterypost.com/konane/2009/08/youtube-obama-passing-new-law-to-allow-sear.htm

Cookies from China!!!!! Those are the cookies we need to be careful of.   Chinese chicken is also dangerous........ too much American corn starch.

But really, Todd is correct. The problem though, is with labeling, it may not be a cookie but they are calling it a cookie. The cookie could be a trojan of sorts, or an applet that runs hidden, who knows? The feds should not be playing this game, they have too much of our monet.

Thanks Jarasan!!!! If Chinese fortune cookies give me several, those are addictive!!

Guess the little applet like Google sets to assist to steer you to local advertisers may be one of those, as it has to transmit info back for those craplets to turn up. Fortunately Firefox has a opt out .... I did. I don't use google for anything that I can get out of ........ too flipping many reprehensible Google toolbars hidden in past software downloads that I had to pull out by the roots.