Internet Privacy Left to Most Popular Web Browsers?

Web developers who develop websites for individuals or merchants operating within the European Union will, in the very near future, have to face the technical challenges that are present with complying with new Internet privacy laws. The European e-Privacy directive imposes what many online merchants label as unwelcomed restrictions on the use of cookies. It's believed that the US Federal Trade Commission will follow in the footsteps of the European Union. Cookies are tiny programs that enable a server to collect and store information about a visitor to a website. This information is stored on the personal machine of the visitor and consists of records on the visitor's surfing activities on the site as well as other information related to the visitor.

While many people see the use of cookies as an invasion of Internet privacy, but others disagree and actually enjoy the ease with which they can navigate their favorite sites on a regular basis. Others have reminded users of the world wide web that cookies can easily be deleted after a session of visiting a web site so that cookies shouldn't really be a big deal. Nevertheless, Internet privacy issues surround the question of whether web site visitors should be automatically "tracked" by cookies.

Predicted Problems With Enforcing Internet Privacy

Will attempts to respect web site visitors' rights to Internet privacy cause so much frustration that a hassle-free surfing and navigating experience will come to be preferred over respect for privacy? That's what some are predicting. How will web sites obtain visitors' permission to use cookies? Will annoying pop-ups be used continually to ask a visitor if it is alright to gather and store certain pieces of information about them? Two companies, Google and Mozilla, that are behind the most popular web browsers: Chrome and FireFox, plan to have a hand in the technical concerns associated with Internet privacy issues. They plan for their web browsers to allow users to configure the software to have customized settings that take charge of their personal preferences with respect to Internet privacy. Such a solution might eliminate or at least reduce the need for irritating pop-up windows to request visitors' permission for the placement of cookies on their machine. But, would achieving Internet privacy via the technology of these most popular web browsers really be the answer?

Invasion of Internet Privacy by Web Browsers or Cookies?

While there's much focus on the need for web developers to have respect for visitors' right to Internet privacy when they visit a web site, privacy issues with web browsers themselves should also be considered. What information that can be used to track the surfing habits of individuals will be collected by a browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla FireFox? Perhaps it is best to let well enough alone and stress the need to get at least a basic understanding of cookies if you're going to surf the world wide web at all. Most public libraries offer classes free of charge on how to use the Internet and could easily help users to acquire a basic understanding about Internet privacy. Those who attend could be instructed how to configure their browser for the handling of cookies to suit their personal style and choices when it comes to Internet privacy issues.

Source:

Duncan Graham-Rowe
Websites to Tell Users If They're Tracked
NewScientist.com