Online privacy is a topic that keeps popping up in the media and typically the stories discuss the great amount of privacy we give up on a daily basis to use our favorite websites and tools. Are we changing the definition of privacy or have we simply gotten used to the idea that true privacy no longer exists?

It seems that each week brings a new blood curdling story of how the companies and services we trust with our private data just can't seem to understand that we didn't anticipate them telling the whole world our age, shopping habits or even our dog's name. Google is always a prominent figure when the "big-bad" privacy bad guys are mentioned; in 2007 they won the dubious honor of having the worst privacy practices on the web.

While many companies point to the burgeoning social networks as an indication that consumers are relaxing their need for privacy, experts say this is not the case. Studies by Pew indicated that even teens and young adults (the most frequent users of social networking) make thoughtful decisions about sharing their information. Trends show that users of online resources are expecting more and better from a site's privacy controls and enjoy granular choices such as those offered by Facebook.

While we can all hope for a future where companies finally get responsible about our information, in the meantime, here's a few tips to keep your information to yourself:

1. Know who you're sharing your information with
   

   This may seem obvious, but how often do we really read a site's Terms of Use or Privacy Policy? Assume your information is going to be shared and check to see what limits the site puts on that sharing. Check for details about advertisers or other third-parties who may benefit from the site's user base.

2. Be a skeptic
   

   Your mother always told you that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. This certainly holds true for online offers of free products and services; many times these sites are simply clearing houses of information for spammers. Just because a "free" product doesn't require your credit card number doesn't mean you aren't giving away important and valuable information.

3. Keep security in mind
   

   Are the doors and windows locked on your computer? Keeping your software up to date and installing appropriate security features can keep your private information from wandering into the wrong hands. Consider limiting the types of cookies your browser will accept or even blocking ad exchange networks entirely.

4. Use privacy resources to get more ideas
   

   There are many useful privacy guides already available. Browse through a few and see how you measure up:

   • CDT's Guide to Online Privacy
   • EPIC Online Guide to Practical Privacy Tools
   • EFF's Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy
   • Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Online Privacy FAQs