Internet offers many possibilities. Users might for instance surf the world wide web (WWW), send and receive e-mails, chat with each other, join news or discussion groups, telephone online, and so on. It is also possible to develop and maintain Internet sites.
Instead of direct routes, messages sometimes make detours to reach a particular destination. Once users start 'surfing', the necessary data travel through a number of channels (portals, routers, etc.) to the manager of the site in question. Technically, all of these Internet junctions can retain passing information for private use.
Besides this, some of these parties possess certain details arising from a relationship with the user. Internet providers usually possess the names and addresses of parties who access Internet through them. Internet site managers who also offer products or services will also possess specific details of clients who have accepted their offers. Providers offering e-mail facilities save messages in the user's 'electronic mailbox'. The user can only access his electronic mail after he logs in.
This research focuses on the relationship between the consumer and the provider offering Internet access. We first describe the nature of this relationship and some relevant details, after which a legal framework is presented for lawful use of those details.
Citation
Artz, mr. M.J.T., Eijk, mr. M.M.M. van, Klant in het web. Privacywaarborgen voor internettoegang [Client in the web] Dutch DPA, June 2000. Backgroundstudies & Investigations 17