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The cookie is created
Netscape creates the "cookie", a computer file that builds profiles of users by recognizing and tracking their Web surfing behavior. -
The European Union sounds an alarm
The European Union issues first concerns regarding the processing of personal data and its free movement. -
No Protection of Privacy
The Electronic Privacy Information Center reviews 100 of the most frequently visited Internet sites and reports that only 17 have explicit privacy policies. None meet basic standards for privacy protection. -
Big Brother GPS tracking
The first GPS phone is launched by Benefon and sold mainly in Europe. Even before GPS mobile phones are widely available in the U.S. -
The Sept. 11 era begins
President George W. Bush signs a bill allowing broad surveillance to find, disrupt, and punish potential terrorists. -
Total Information Awareness
The Pentagon is revealed to be building a computer system that could create a vast electronic dragnet, searching for personal information as part of the hunt for terrorists around the globe. The system is designed to find hidden patterns of activity of Internet mail information, credit card and banking transactions, and government documents. -
Warrantless surveillance
President Bush authorizes intelligence agencies to eavesdrop on American citizens international calls, emails, and messages. -
Facebook launches News Feed
Facebook launches feature which shows changes users make to their accounts to their friends. -
FISA amended
Congress passes the FISA Amendments Act, expanding the federal government's surveillance powers and letting telephone companies assist in warrantless surveillance programs. -
Snowden releases US secrets
Edward Snowden, a CIA employee, releases highly classified documents about numerous global surveillance programs in the US, prompting many to question national security and individual privacy.
