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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?

Comments231 - 240 of 247

From tvirus100 HE SAID IT ALL READ IT PLONKS'

From raymondlangleyuk on Tue Aug 26 07:37PM
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Cheers Raymondo

From tvirus100 on Tue Aug 26 07:40PM
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This won't protect anyone from veiwing illegal porn sites (thankfully). It won't protect Paedophilles (thankfully). It offers no more protection than the current version of Internet Explorer - you just have to go through a few key strokes to do it.

From smadavek on Tue Aug 26 08:16PM
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I think people should have the option to have privacy, I can see why there are cons, but if I was sharing a computer and I was doing online shopping I wouldn't want everybody knowing exactly which sites I use

From skarletrubyjynx on Tue Aug 26 08:18PM
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Putting tools into the hands of good governments to monitor the population so as to protect us from bad people isn't a bad thing, ..... the problem is that those tools remain when a bad government comes into power and theyl use those tools against the good people.
Maybe you've nothing to hide now, but imagine your government decides you are breaking the law by looking at perfectly innocent websites that are contrary to THEIR views,..... would you still be in favour of banning anonymous browsers ?

From miniaturezone on Tue Aug 26 08:18PM
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Yeah...AND PIGS MIGHT FLY...

From wabbettz on Tue Aug 26 08:21PM
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people open your eyes. this isn't a secure way of viewing the internet. it's a ploy to catch people who think there secretly viewing the internet. wait till it's released and see the convictions for illegal internet use rise significantly.

From flashire173 on Tue Aug 26 08:34PM
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using proxy is anonymous~? i thought that hides your ip?

From tom153 on Tue Aug 26 08:44PM
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So Microsoft want to make it easy for paedophiles. every web site should be monitored to keep these monsters away from our kids !!!

From matthoughton1978 on Tue Aug 26 08:46PM
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sad people with things to hide will love it. what about the poor children these people look at and can now get away with their sick cravings.

From jameshone2000 on Tue Aug 26 08:49PM
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