tech›
Microsoft will no longer enable 'Do Not Track' by default on all future software
Apr 3, 2015, 22:14 IST
Mike Nudelman/Business Insider
Microsoft on Friday updated its approach to "Do Not Track" for all future versions of its web browsers, saying it "will no longer enable it as the default state."
"Do Not Track" is all about protecting your online privacy. It's a simple mechanism on most web browsers that lets you opt out of tracking from third parties, including websites you don't visit.
As the standards around "Do Not Track" keep evolving, so do the public policies. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) just offered up a new draft that sheds light on the new standard (Microsoft bolded the final line for added emphasis):
Key to that notion of expression is that the signal sent MUST reflect the user's preference, not the choice of some vendor, institution, site, or network-imposed mechanism outside the user's control; this applies equally to both the general preference and exceptions. The basic principle is that a tracking preference expression is only transmitted when it reflects a deliberate choice by the user. In the absence of user choice, there is no tracking preference expressed.
Microsoft says it wants to "eliminate any misunderstanding about whether our chosen implementation will comply with the W3C standard," so "Do Not Track will not be the default state in Windows Express Settings moving forward."
Still, Microsoft says it "will provide customers with clear information on how to turn this feature on in the browser settings should they wish to do so." The changes will apply for anyone buying a new Windows PC, or if they're upgrading from a previous version of Windows or Internet Explorer.
You can read the full update on Microsoft's approach to "Do Not Track" over at the company's blog.
NOW WATCH: These Microsoft Excel Keyboard Shortcuts Will Save You Tons Of Time Where It Counts
Next StoryApple Care for the $10,000 Apple Watch may be insanely expensive
Adani Group companies lose ₹3.22 lakh crore in market value amidst tussle with Hindenburg Research
Indoor lifestyle & bad diet is leading to Vitamin D deficiency: Tata 1mg study
Children's 'rushed' immune response makes them susceptible to Covid reinfection: Study
Primebook laptop
TopGmail Features
Whatsapp Avatar
Discount on Samsung Mobiles
Whatsapp Profile
Android Deleted Message
Download Photos from whatsapp
Apple Care for the $10,000 Apple Watch may be insanely expensive
15 things you didn't know you could do with your iPad
The Apple Watch hasn't even launched yet, but the $10,000 version may already have a problem