There is no magic bullet for privacy protection on the internet (or anyplace else) but an Inc. Plan (USA) Internet Privacy Package can be an important part of the solution. Here's how it works.

With the Internet Privacy Package, your first step is setting up an anonymous Delaware corporation.

The laws of Delaware (an orderly state many privacy experts consider an onshore Switzerland) are particularly friendly to corporations and even allow that the names of the officers, directors and shareholders need never become a matter of public record. In fact, they do not need to be filed with the Delaware Secretary of State, a provision unique among state filing requirements.

Your second step in preserving privacy is opening an account with a major financial institution in the name of the Delaware corporation. This allows you to pay for goods and services through the Delaware corporation, remaining personally anonymous.

Your third step in the process is opening an e-mail account in the name of the corporation. Naturally this can be paid for with the company account.

Beyond these essential first steps, which create a virtual firewall for your privacy, you can provide deeper levels of protection on your computer. We include an excellent guide to just this, he immeasurably valuable "Practical Privacy Strategies for windows 95/98" by Mark Nestmann. This is a comprehensive roadmap to securing privacy and protection for your PC, particularly when used for internet browsing and e-mail. You will be shown in a step by step manner strategies for privacy including real file deletion, encryption, use of remailers and proxy servers. Andre Bacard, the premier privacy warrior on the internet, said of this publication:

I'm sure Mark Nestmann's "Practical Privacy Tools" will frustrate snoops who consider your life their business. My advice is simple. Sit in front of your keyboard and try out Mark's suggestions. Your privacy is worth protecting.

First of all, it's anonymous.

Unlike some states, the names of the members are not available with a phone call, or even, ironically, posted on the Internet. Even when filing the annual report when paying the Delaware franchise tax ($50 assuming the standard number of shares) you may have the incorporator file this, thereby preserving your anonymity.

Second, it gives you a vehicle for Internet activity.

You surf the net as a corporation You e-mail as a corporation. You purchase goods and services as a corporation There is no way to tie purchases and surfing habits to you as an individual. This is becoming a horrifying internet trend. Although for years your internet activity has been traceable, it was theoretically anonymous. Recent lawsuits against DoubleClick, the premier web advertising agency, have torn away this flimsy cover. They know who you are, where you live, what you like -- and they're selling your name. When you have a corporate shield, these concerns are academic. Additionally, since your corporation is a person in law, in many instances where a social security number is required you may instead use the corporate EIN. All privacy experts will tell you that social security numbers represent our point of vulnerability. As corporation, you can keep your SSN private and secure.

Third, it limits your liability.

Assume the unthinkable happens. Your identity is stolen. Yes, it happens and the financial and psychological repercussions are enormous. You may have immaculate credit. Yet, your credit application is rejected. Why? Well, perhaps your SSN has been usurped by a criminal who has used it to apply for a credit card and run up a mountain of debt in your name. Of course you will not be legally responsible for debt but you will have to fight, you will fill out innumerable reports and still it will probably wreak havoc (and possibly, even ruin) your credit rating. Let's look at the same scenario with a Delaware corporation. Should its identity be stolen in the same way you will still be plagued with reports but the bad effect will not spill over into your personal life. Your liability is limited by law, and since you are anonymous, the repercussions end right there.