Reference number: CH000881

Can a web page get my e-mail address or other personal information?

Question:

Answer:

Simply visiting a web page cannot copy or log your e-mail address or other Personally Identifiable Information (PII) unless you enter that information into a form on that page. Many Internet ads deceive users by claiming that all their personal information could be copied when visiting a web page. While it may be true that your IP address is often obtained when visiting a web page it does not revel your personal physical location and information. Your IP address can be traced to your ISP and its location. Therefore it may be possible for someone to know what state you're living in, if you're living in the same state as your Internet Service Provider. However, a website cannot obtain your name, home street address, phone number, bank account information, social security number, etc. simply through your IP address.

However, that's not to say a user or a member of law enforcement or other company could not contact the Internet service provider who manages and controls the IP address being used and request from them the contact and personal information for that user.