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Microsoft to support anonymous browsing

Tue Aug 26 10:47AM

Microsoft officials have confirmed that the company is to introduce a way for users to surf the Web anonymously.

As part of the upcoming Internet Explorer 8 release, Microsoft is incorporating 'inPrivate' - a mode that will not record visits to the user's history and will not allow sites to place cookies on the user's system. Apple currently offers a similar service with its Safari browser.

Many industry pundits haven't wasted any time in pointing out one of the most obvious uses of the feature, nicknaming it 'porn mode,' highlighting the ability to view adult sites without leaving a trail for employers or family members to follow.

There have also been questions raised over the helpfulness of the latest release, which could make it harder for police to track Internet users that are viewing harmful or illegal websites.

On a recent posting to the official IE blog though, Microsoft officials put forward some more innocent uses of the new release:

"Have you ever wanted to take your web browsing 'off the record'? Perhaps you're using someone else's computer and you don't want them to know which sites you visited. Maybe you need to buy a gift for a loved one without ruining the surprise. Maybe you're at an Internet kiosk and don't want the next person using it to know at which website you bank."

Obviously the new Internet Explorer will have pros and cons but my question to you is: Should the Internet be completely private or should our movements be traceable?

Comments1 - 10 of 247

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It should be banned!

From hcaf_rod on Tue Aug 26 11:21AM
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It is good that this could be used to hide some internet transactions. I do wonder how private it will be, however. I cannot see Homeland Security being locked out of being able to trace users web viewing history.

From kenhallonthenet on Tue Aug 26 11:25AM
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I'm entirely in favour of this method of browsing-the internet is a great source of good,as well as bad things,but each user should be able to avail themselves of at least a bit of "total privacy",without the added hassles of cookies from the websites visited.Obviously there are pros and cons to this but I still believe that the good will outweigh the bad,even in today's hard-nosed cynical world.

From derekshakespeare on Tue Aug 26 11:26AM
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Making it too easy for child porn and the like to be openly viewed without being detected by anyone.

From ros0244 on Tue Aug 26 11:30AM
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It is a load of crock, every site you go to records your ip address, so this will just give users a false sence of security.
if microshaft brought out a browser that concealed your ip address, it would be worth using

From nuked_are_us on Tue Aug 26 11:31AM
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this is rubbish. it will give users a false sence of security.
every site you go to records your ip address, so what if it cant place cookies?
they know where you've been.
perhaps microshaft should release something that hides your ip address as well?

From nuked_are_us on Tue Aug 26 11:33AM
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Sadly, this will be of great benefit to paedophiles. We have managed so far without it so I would question this move on the basis of do the Pros outweigh the Cons?

From paul_scoplin on Tue Aug 26 11:36AM
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It's all about being private!
"big brother" is watching us everywhere, We need some privacy!

From amarjoshi45 on Tue Aug 26 11:37AM
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sorry for the double post there. didnt see it come up the first time.
in this age of big brother though, we do need a basic right to privacy online.
criminals already have the tools for surfing without leaving traces, so why
not the normal public?

From nuked_are_us on Tue Aug 26 11:41AM
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Microsoft should bring out a browser that directly sends everything you ever do on your computer to the police on a daily bases. That should stop those terrorists and paedophiles. (Sarcasm)

From zim_cyanmoor_a on Tue Aug 26 11:43AM
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