Filed under: Internet, Security, News, Web services, Microsoft, Social Software
Fake name keeping you anonymous online? Guess again.
Privacy advocates are not amused, and neither are computer security experts. University of Cambridge Computer security engineer Ross Anderson says, "I'd consider it somewhat pernicious if Microsoft were to deploy such software widely. They are arguably committing offenses in a number of countries under a number of different laws if they make available software that defeats the security procedures internet users deploy to protect their privacy.
If you'll excuse us, we'll be in the corner sipping Victory Gin and writing in our secret notebook.
So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do.
Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game.
The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Karim said 3:58PM on 5-23-2007
So while everyone's attention is focused on what someone from Evil Microsoft (boo, hiss) said was THEORETICALLY POSSIBLE...
...meanwhile, everyone is distracted from the fact that this kind of crap is GOOGLE'S ENITRE BUSINESS PLAN.
Did you just visit MySpace and Facebook? Oh look, you got a Google ad for Abercrombie & Fitch. Gee, how did they know?!?!?
"Hello Mr. Yakimoto. Welcome back to The Gap. How'd those assorted tank tops work out for you?"
See you in the future. Good luck with that whole privacy thing.
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byron said 7:33PM on 5-23-2007
has anyone found a way to turn off the "Minority Report" marketing function of web 2.0?
honestly, i am just as disturbed by my personalized Abercrombie ads as i am this Microsoft revelation.
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westudi said 6:07PM on 5-23-2007
Yeah, Google is the one I am concerned with.
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Sam said 9:21PM on 5-23-2007
You can stop companies and websites tracking you by taking control of cookies and only allowing ones that are needed, also the firefox addon below can block google analytics.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/743
http://www.customizegoogle.com/block-google-analytics-cookies.html
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K said 12:37AM on 5-24-2007
You really want to surf that fast?
I use SAFARI or FIREFOX. I delete cookies, cache and history EVERY TIME I switch web sites.
Is it slow? A fraction. Do I want them/you to see where I go every time? NO!
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Monoto said 7:27PM on 5-24-2007
Sure, it may be pernicious, but if Microsoft or Google don't do it, then somebody else will, and you can bet the spammers and data miners will be holding first class tickets on this train.
The practices and measures employed by internet users to remain secure have been constantly evolving as long as the internet has been around. I sure hope Ross Anderson isn't implying that the current methods of staying safe online are the best they'll ever be.
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