Navigation

Primary Navigation

Secondary Navigation

Editor's Corner

Back to Editor's Corner home

Search

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?

Comments241 - 247 of 247

First
Previous
22
23
24
25
Next
Last

it leaves it wide open for the pervs to come on here and not get caught it is disgusting it shouldnt be allowed

From dubyduck2003 on Tue Aug 26 08:51PM
Report abuse
If you are so concerned with leaving no history of where you browsed, just clear the history and block/delete all cookies after your visit. A little bit of extra work and inconvenience is far offset by not making it easier for criminals.

From linjoy_2001 on Tue Aug 26 09:04PM
Report abuse
about time, you all go on about the peadophiles etc. but i am so fed up of big brother watching over us.
If the only good thing you can think off is websites like that being monitored then:
a) continue monitoring, as stated, ip address of visitors can be recorded.
b) do something about the people that go on them, not really a lot of action seems to be taken.
What about if your bank details were captured due to recording data on websites, or your passwords to sites, banks etc. be a victim of that and i bet you change your mind soon.

From aidya on Tue Aug 26 09:05PM
Report abuse
Quoting..... "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.".....
Good points, except for the... ou're using someone else's computer and you don't want them to know which sites you visited...
If you're using someone else's PC, you shouldn't visit sites they'd rather you not visit.
My concern is how easily this is going to make it for people to surf on company time and PC, and franky, that costs money--it hurts employers, it hurts consumers who are waiting for service but are having to be worked in between the employee's daily blog jaunts and shopping on Amazon.
And for those less than pleasant sites no decent human like think about--the sites with kiddy porn, or sites promoting violence and criminal behavior. Those sites, cops have a right to know who is visiting them.

From im_so_shi on Tue Aug 26 09:23PM
Report abuse
i think this will be a very good idea!

From diksha_ramrekha on Wed Aug 27 12:13AM
Report abuse
thank goodness,but wait t's and c's are changable at any time.The us govt ordered google to release all data recenly,they spy continuously,we know this,but cos they are good,we put up with it,i'll try both

From bardlesdly on Fri Aug 29 12:07PM
Report abuse
How do you get the latest Apple iPhone for completely free...without being tied down to any lengthy contracts or payments...
http://iphone.giveaway.co.uk/index.php?referral=
215869
Sign up by copying and pasting the link, and complete an advertiser's sponsored offer. Once you have completed your own offer get your friends and family to do the same and you will be shipped your brand new iPhone for completely free!

From alanshearer2009 on Tue Apr 21 04:15PM
Report abuse