On 'cookies'

Mr. Osvaldo Coelho, in his letter published on Nov. 28, 1996, is entirely right: we were delighted with our letter being published and he is also right about the security issues he brings up (except when suggesting that Microsoft or Netscape make money with cookies).

Secure transaction technology exists on the net in different forms: smart cards, encryption and authentication technology, pin numbers and the like are employed by different systems in different fields in different countries. What is missing is a common standard (or two, like currency) that is accepted worldwide. Such a standard is not easy to agree upon but is developing right now and the systems will be widely available in 1997, in conjunction with the conventional credit card companies (which is essential).

Mr. Coelho is also right about the need for a kind of "Better Net Business Bureau". Not only to protect consumers but, just as importantly, to facilitate business among vendors, which needs a framework to operate in that is normally provided through legal or value systems that are not universally relevant in "cyberspace". (When a bunch of "codes" developed in Jakarta gets downloaded from a server in the U.S. by a Malaysian client in a Hotel in Hong Kong for use in Australia, paid for through Cybercash in the UK, which laws, morals or values apply? And the transaction isn't big enough to warrant contracts or negotiations).

Therefore, we are involved in an initiative defining and promoting "Wholesome Business". (http://www.digitaldevelopment.com/wba/). "Wholesome Business" practices assure a healthy transaction between two honest parties as the core of all Internet commerce.

When you delete the "cookie.txt" file from your disk, you delete the information stored so far. The new file will have to start building information again.

"Nebulous interests" need to be avoided not only on the net.

If Mr. Coelho wants to continue this discussion, he can contact me via email at pdv@digitaldevelopment.com.

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Jakarta