Resumen
User-adaptive hypermedia systems are able to cater to users more effectively given the more information they possess about them. Adaptations that will be necessary are usually not known at the time when different pieces of information about users become available. Personalized hypermedia systems therefore have to lay this collected data in stock and maintain it for possible future usage. Data gathering is moreover mostly performed in an unobtrusive manner and often without users' awareness. This is done to avoid distracting users from their tasks and with consideration that users are very reluctant to perform actions not directed toward their immediate benefits, even when they would benefit in the long run. This current practice of data collection and processing in personalized hypermedia systems, specifically in personalized Web sites, seem to be in conflict with privacy concerns of Internet users. These became manifest in numerous recent consumer polls, where respondents reported being concerned about threats to their privacy when using the Internet, being concerned about divulging personal information online and being concerned about being tracked online. INSETS: OECD Basic Privacy Principles of National Application; Some Countries With Restrictions on the Transborder Flow of...