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?

Comments41 - 50 of 247

phaps its an hidden aid to do just that trap all the sickos out there. i dont mind any one knowing where im at or been but wish thed stop bomming my window with adds when im trying to click or type most annoying.

From doustpauline on Tue Aug 26 01:30PM
Report abuse
phaps its an hidden aid to do just that trap all the sickos out there. i dont mind any one knowing where im at or been but wish thed stop bomming my window with adds when im trying to click or type most annoying.

From doustpauline on Tue Aug 26 01:31PM
Report abuse
How on earth does the internet cope with all these alleged paedophiles all over the place? I swear, some people will jump to the word the instant anyone talks about ANYTHING connected with the internet. Well, let me tell all you paranoids that in over 10 years of surfing the internet I have not ONCE come across any child porn. I am sure it is out there, and I am sure that paedophiles know exactly how to hide it without any help from MS. What I am not sure of is why it must automatically be assumed that anybody who wishes to hide anything is automatically hiding that.
I challenge anybody to name me 2 paedophiles they have met.

From tragically_wired on Tue Aug 26 01:51PM
Report abuse
This is a rediculous idea,its going to make it easier for internet scams and hackers.Also peadophiles will be able to browse child porn without being detected

From thearchfiend2 on Tue Aug 26 01:53PM
Report abuse
The "privacy" provided by the browser is minimal. Security services can easily get access to any users list of accessed sites. It will be of no use to Paedos or terrorists!

From ssisulu on Tue Aug 26 01:53PM
Report abuse
When i am buying smg at a market i dont let any mark on it;i find it great that it becomes the same when i am doing exactly the same on the internet;Moreover i don't think that history provides young children from watching porn... they most of the time use internet better than their own parents!(it was my case...);and privacy is smg democratic countries don't really reallize how far important is:in the past ther was no privacy at all in soviet union and its empire(kgb,stazi,ect...)and people suffered a lot from it.Privacy is amazingly linked with freedom.
ps:forgive my perfectable english,i am from france.

From creymond88 on Tue Aug 26 01:59PM
Report abuse
it wouldn't be an attempt to stuff google now would it !! , lol

From a69trannylover on Tue Aug 26 02:02PM
Report abuse
I like the idea of anonymous browsing. Todays paranoia over terrorists and pedophilia are playing into the hands of spammers and apparent goverments only looking out for your best interests, i personally dont like being under the state microscope and being in " nanny state Britain " this would be a nice way of letting all the good people that enjoy the internet for all the right reasons surf freely. We all seem to forget that on the whole Humanity is good, so stop taking the opinion that we are not. Allow us our freedom.

From davidg30 on Tue Aug 26 02:04PM
Report abuse
Yeah, its only safe for the general public, but please don't forget "we need to be monitored like children" or we could be terrorists! Oh dear!

From stevepaypal3009 on Tue Aug 26 02:19PM
Report abuse
Paedos will find a way to do their thing anyhow. I'm all for people's privacy, and also for presuming that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Don't treat us all as if we were paedos - leave people to do their thing in private.

From mcorder on Tue Aug 26 02:20PM
Report abuse