Internet Explorer 8: Improved privacy functions

Microsoft has provided a sneak preview of the privacy functions of the upcoming browser in its Internet Explorer blog. Internet Explorer 8 will include a function called InPrivate Browsing, which does not record data during surfing, such as cookies, websites visited, temporary files, or data from forms – this is practical for users working on other people's computers who don't want to leave a record of their activity. Internet Explorer 8 indicates a private surfing session with an eye-catching blue bar in the address field – see picture. This feature is not really innovative since Safari also has it.

IE8 private meetings are marked with a distinctive blue highlight in the address bar.

However, no other browser can offer a function like InPrivate Blocking. Internet Explorer 8 uses this feature to record embedded third-party content, for instance, JavaScript or image files. Advertising networks use these elements to generate profiles of surfing habits. That is precisely why many email clients block downloads of images from unknown senders by default. InPrivate Blocking will allow Internet Explorer 8 users to block third party content as well; either automatically or manually. The new privacy functions will be included in the soon-to-be-released Beta 2 version of the browser.

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(trk)