Internet Privacy in the 1990s

Early Risks

During the 1990s, websites collected user data freely without regulation. Companies often shared personal information without consent. The 1990s web was like the Wild West of personal data.

Rise of Tracking Cookies

In 1994, Lou Montulli invented the HTTP Cookie, originally to store user preferences. However, advertisers soon exploited cookies to track users without their knowledge. Learn more here.

Hacking & Data Leaks

As the web expanded, hackers began exploiting weak security. Data breaches increased, with personal information leaking online. The infamous AOHell program from 1994 allowed hackers to phish AOL credentials and steal user accounts.

Privacy Today

The privacy issues of the 90s led to today's regulations like GDPR and stricter data policies. Many practices from the early web are now illegal.