Technology

Is Google Sneaking Around Internet Explorer Privacy Controls Too?

Last week, Google came under fire for allegedly bypassing privacy settings on the iPhone’s web browser and Safari. Now, Microsoft is saying that privacy controls for its web browser, Internet Explorer, are being skirted around as well.

Microsoft Says Google Bypasses Internet Explorer Privacy Default Settings Too

(Image: SlashGear)

SlashGear reports that Microsoft has accused Google of not honoring the Platform for Privacy Preferences of all browsers, which is the “official recommendation that the World Wide Web Consortium uses to summarize their own privacy policies.” In a blog post on the topic Dean Hachamovitch, the corporate vice president for Internet Explorer, writes:

When the IE team heard that Google had bypassed user privacy settings on Safari, we asked ourselves a simple question: is Google circumventing the privacy preferences of Internet Explorer users too? We’ve discovered the answer is yes: Google is employing similar methods to get around the default privacy protections in IE and track IE users with cookies.

[...]

By default, IE blocks third-party cookies unless the site presents a P3P Compact Policy Statement indicating how the site will use the cookie and that the site’s use does not include tracking the user. Google’s P3P policy causes Internet Explorer to accept Google’s cookies even though the policy does not state Google’s intent.

Last week, the Wall Street Journal broke the news that Google appeared to be capitalizing on a loophole that allowed it to get around some privacy policies. Google responded saying WSJ had “mischaracterized” its actions.

Hachamovitch writes that Internet Explorer 9 is not susceptible to being bypassed in this way and recommends IE users update to this version. He also writes that the company will be looking into changes that may need to be made to its products with regard to the P3P specification.

Comments (50)

  • teebubba
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 3:31pm

    Welcome to the new world. Google has been doing for a couple of years….with all browsers. If I so much look at any product online I am bombarded for the immediate future with it in advertizing on my email and sites like this and Drudge….a true “rifle shot” approach to advertizing.

    Report Post » teebubba  
  • tharpdevenport
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 2:14pm

    I’m going to start getting away from Google. I can’t fully, since Google owns Youtube and you have to log into it via Google, but as soon as I find a viable alternative site to Youtube, I’ll start phasing out Youtube as well. I’ve had enough.

    Right now my alternative search engine, which I’ll test in a few days, is DuckDuckGo.com.

    Report Post » tharpdevenport  
  • dmerwin
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:29pm

    Firefox

    Report Post » dmerwin  
  • G-WHIZ
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 10:47am

    Sounds-like google is a direct arm of BHO-adm. … gett’in around the Constitution and other pesky in-the-way things…and they will use regulations to do everything ’cause congress does nothin’…don’t worry…Ericholder will prosicute only the ones who are not thinking the [left] way.

    Report Post »  
    • texchris
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 10:39pm

      I suspect Google is going to blackmail me with my embarrassing Porn selections.

      Report Post »  
  • gkline
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:45am

    Blocking cookies or not, if you continue to use Google, you continue to help them generate revenue. Stop using Google! Startpage uses Google, so you’re still helping Google generate revenue by increasing their traffic. It just amazes me that people who claim to be conservatives sit and watch the decline of our country and continue to contribute to it by supporting the people that are taking it down…Google, Hollywood, network TV, etc.

    Report Post »  
    • GB__The Holy Warmonger
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:10am

      I stopped using Google awhile ago and now use Startpage. While they use Google, I see no evidence that any of their sponsor sites or advertising comes through. I see it as loading googles servers without them getting any revenue.
      I’ve also seen Firefox addons that allow you to click on sponsored sites on google but bypass google so theres no revenue.

      Report Post » GB__The Holy Warmonger  
  • KICKILLEGALSOUT
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:17am

    I found a good new private search engine that uses google but doesn’t allow google to track you. Set your homepage to https://startpage.com/

    Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
  • whereareyourbrains
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:49am

    I had ccleaner. I got a virus. I had a web designer come to the house and he put on AVG anti virus free………I haven’t had it long enough to tell you, but he uses for all his business computers.
    I love how people put a web site on these sites…never could figure out how to do it. I am really forgetful on how to do things……senior senility you know…lol

    Report Post » whereareyourbrains  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 8:49am

      Try this one. I think it’s the best anti-virus product out there and can be tweeked for Internet security.

      http://www.f-secure.com/en/web/home_global/protection/internet-security/overview

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:22am

      If you want to have somewhat decent security you have to run a firewall and antivirus.

      The best free firewall right now is comodo firewall, one of the best free antivirus is avira.
      This is according to the following testing sites.
      Firewall testing site.
      http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge/results.php
      Antivirus testing site.
      http://www.av-comparatives.org/

      But if you don’t want to deal with that just learn how to use an easy to use operating system like Linux Mint instead of dealing with all the bloatware and virus hassle windows brings with it. But it really just depends what you need your computer for.

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • 2theADDLED
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 2:14pm

      @ KICKILLEGALSOUT
      The best defense is quit using Microsoft switch to a Linux based OS. Microsoft is not the dominant OS most other countries use a Linux based OS even Google uses Linux based servers.
      Download a Live CD and give it a try
      http://distrowatch.com/
      It is difficult to get rid of Google as they have been injected the same way Facebook has into just about every website and that is dangerous.

      Report Post »  
    • ask
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:46pm

      @2theADDLED
      Ubuntu is great! I’ve been using it for a few years now…Love it!

      Report Post »  
    • 2theADDLED
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:02pm

      @ ask
      That is my preference also Linux Mint and Zorin are also good.
      Ubuntu is the most widely used though.

      Report Post »  
  • whereareyourbrains
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:46am

    I am computer stupid. really?? Is Bing part of google. I usually only use bing…..is that wrong

    Report Post » whereareyourbrains  
    • JBaer
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 10:33am

      I don’t use Google anymore but rather Bing.

      Report Post » JBaer  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:10am

    Time for google to go into the night.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • 13axes
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:05am

    Use Mozilla Firefox beta 10-install noscript,adblock plus and ghostery from the addons in the tools menu of the browser.in your privacy section(tools-options-privacy) go to manage exceptions-add http://www.google.com/ and block it.add your trusted websites to the exceptions list and click on allow,then block third party cookies.also in the addons install Startpage as your search engine and move it to the top of the list.Startpage removes all personal or identifying info and then send your search to google,so you still can use google search,anonymously.Also Techemail is the best email service-no spam in 3 years,not one.

    Report Post » 13axes  
  • pamela kay
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:01am

    I am so computer ignorant. I appreciate the info. Now I just have to figure out how to use it. Thanks. Just tried to post to FB and it would not let me. I know you all hate FB but I post stories to try to educate those who are still sooooooo blind and to communicate with likewise conservative friends of mine. They already have my information. I have to wonder if anything is safe on the internet period. I am sure that we are all being watched our every move. Is there really any way to be safe?

    Report Post » pamela kay  
  • imconservative
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 4:41am

    Others have mentioned most of these but, Ixquick search engine does not track your IP. Firefox with the addons: NoScript(this one stops the functionality of some sites so watch the video about it), Adblock Plus, DoNotTrackPlus, BetterPrivacy, Google Disconnect. There is even a “Facebook Ticker Removal” addon for those that are annoyed by it.

    Google has their “Advertising Cookie Opt-out” but knowing them they are probably tracking us with that.

    Report Post » imconservative  
  • piper60
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 3:20am

    Google is looking more and more like big brother.

    Report Post » piper60  
  • RonmeyPaulBotsrOdd
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 2:58am

    Word Wide Web…look up definition of Web. You can’t escape the Web and the Web will be used against you. The computer is now our false Idol. I am currently wrestling with what is more important – the political talking heads and politics or my religion? We should all contemplate that and how it is taking time away from ultimately really matters.

    Report Post »  
  • Captain Crunch
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 2:19am

    New prototype Texas Flashlight FMG-9. Helps to maintain your privacy Check it out.
    http://videos2view.net/texas-light.htm#.TpjYMP3QiMM.aolmail

    Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:55am

    …
    Google is in bed with Obama.

    Report Post »  
  • Captain Crunch
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:48am

    I’ve told friends and family for years, “Google=Government” , and they laugh.

    Report Post »  
  • Razorhunters
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:41am

    this is some treasonous sheet , yo..?

    Report Post » Razorhunters  
  • gaittec
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:16am

    My son uses Firefox. He cleaned all cookies, history etc. Then went to a third party website and just waited five minutes. He checked and the google cookies were back on his computer.

    Report Post »  
    • Razorhunters
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:42am

      ghostery and ccleaner.

      Report Post » Razorhunters  
    • GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 2:55am

      I’ve been using Ccleaner 4 years now, and it’s useful, fast, easy and free. I use it to clean up many times during the day because it helps with the PC speed, and I configured it to start when I turn on the computer. It helps to clean up the Registry too…..

      Report Post » GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas  
  • 1casawizard
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:13am

    Big Brother is watching YOU, so keep it on the down low. JUST SAYIN. go easy.

    Report Post » 1casawizard  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:48am

    Google knows everything. Hi Google. Have I told you lately you are probably going to hell?

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • Joey Joe Joe
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:47am

    Everyone needs to band together and start using Duck Duck Go – a search engine with real privacy and search results arguably better than google. https://duckduckgo.com/privacy.html

    Try it, you won’t be disappointed. Their shortened url is: http://ddg.gg

    Report Post »  
    • american1st
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:08am

      ixquick and startpage are good too, Firefox with “adblock plus” and “no script” helps block tracking and advertisements… .

      Report Post » american1st  
    • BigSky
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:10am

      I use Startpage: https://www.startpage.com/

      Report Post » BigSky  
    • bpodlesnik
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 3:29am

      And what do you use for email?

      Report Post » bpodlesnik  
    • Joey Joe Joe
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 1:41am

      For disposable email use mailinator.

      For real email, all free email will be vulnerable to snooping and data mining. But if you need a free email, separate your email provider from your favorite search engine. i.e. use hotmail if you like using google search. Use yahoo mail if you like Bing search engine. Use gmail if…no, don’t use gmail..google is evil.

      Report Post »  
    • Joey Joe Joe
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 1:52am

      ixquick and start page are powered by Google. The searches look like they are done through a proxy, but as soon as you clickout on a Google powered ad or visit a search result page that has google analytics installed or a google +1 button then it’s arguable that google could figure out who really did the original search. I don’t think they go this far, but who knows…they are evil.

      Report Post »  
  • LauraPZ
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:32am

    Google, and all of it’s subsideraries, are EVIL incarnate. They work, hand-in-glove, with the CIA- and their associates, the GRU- or is it the FSB now? That particular organization, changes names so often, I lose count. Okrana, NKVD, GRU, KGB, FSB, all the same, and all in bed together.
    How do I know? If the CIA was working for America, they would occasionally do something right, for us.

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:28am

    Has anyone updated to 9? Any comments .. problems?

    Google seems to think they are a law unto themselves.

    Report Post »  
    • LauraPZ
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:46am

      They are. It works quite well for them. They control the infrastructure, write the software, and are given a “free-hand” for cooperating with our secret police (the CIA, in case you’ve been asleep for the last 20 years).
      Besides- WHO would confront them- since they hold all the “trump cards”, i.e. all the blackmail material, on anyone who ever uses the internet. I assume that most elected officials, have things they would rather not have made public.

      Report Post »  
    • GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:54am

      I have W7 with IE9….It has “the favorites bar” (Don’t remember if it was on the IE8 too…), new security tools….I like it. So far no problems…..

      The use of Firefox is growing and is safer than IE….

      Report Post » GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas  

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