Business Editors
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2000
TopClick International, Inc. (OTCBB: TOCK) reported today that 134 affiliates have joined its 'Partners in Privacy' affiliate program since the launch of its Private Search Engine at the end of February, including several leading privacy-focused Web sites.
Recent affiliates to join the 'Partners in Privacy' program include well-known online privacy publications and resources such as Privacy Times (www.privacytimes.com), PrivacyDigest (www.privacydigest.com) and PrivacyScan (www.privacyscan.com).
PrivacyScan is a unique service that searches over 1,600 databases to enable consumers to discover the information about them that has been collected and stored by third parties. Tissa Godavitarne, Owner of PrivacyScan stated, "The TopClick search engine provides consumers with a powerful weapon to combat the surreptitious data collection practices used by Internet search engines. Most Internet users probably think that keywords they type into search engines simply disappear when they click to the next page. Not so. In fact, search terms - no matter how personal - are collected by marketing companies and compiled into detailed, personally identifiable dossiers. By not disclosing personal data to any third parties, the ad-free and cookie-free TopClick search engine allows consumers to search the Internet without surrendering their privacy."
Another prominent supporter of TopClick's Private Search Engine is Andr' Bacard (www.andrebacard.com), author of the popular Computer Privacy Handbook, contributor to several publications on technology and society issues, and consultant to individuals and businesses about privacy issues. Andr' Bacard wrote, "Many Internet Search Engines exist in order to collect and sell data about YOUR searches. One search engine that promises no cookies, no banners, and no personal data disclosure is the San Diego-based TopClick, www.topclick.com. I recommend you study this site and ask your friends to do the same."
Chris Lewis, TopClick's President and CEO commented, "Achieving more than a hundred affiliate partners in the first month of this program has been an exciting milestone for us. We are continuing to see broad-based interest and enthusiasm for the TopClick search engine and resources, not only from the Web sites in the privacy sector but from sites that provide a wide variety of information and services."
