Skip to main content

Apple’s next version of Safari to incorporate do-not-track tool

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Apple will include a do-not-track tool in its next version of Safari. The tool will serve to enhance privacy when browsing the web, preventing marketers from following users’ online activities.

The tool will likely be available as part of the next Mac operating system, Lion, currently on schedule for a summer release.

Recommended Videos

Such tools send a message to marketers asking that users’ online activity is not followed. But at this stage, it is just that – a request. It is up to the marketer to respect the request, and refrain from any tracking activities. This week, privacy legislation that would require websites to better explain to consumers how collected data was being tracked and used was introduced by Republican congressman Cliff Stearns of Florida.

Apple will be playing catch-up with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Mozilla’s Firefox, whose Web browsers already offer enhanced privacy settings. Google Chrome, however, is another browser that does not currently have such a tool built in.

Users of Chrome uneasy at the idea of having their browsing sessions tracked by advertisers do have a way of protecting their privacy. The add-on Keep My Opt-Outs will prevent targeted ads and data tracking.

A report published on Wednesday by the Interactive Advertising Bureau regarding Internet ad revenue showed record increases for the whole of 2010, as well as for the fourth quarter of 2010.

With that kind of growth taking place, much of it thanks to targeted advertising, we can begin to understand why Google, with its highly successful AdWords and AdSense programs, might be a little reluctant to incorporate such a tool into Chrome.

According to recent figures from Net Applications, Internet Explorer currently enjoys approximately 56 per cent of the browser market. Firefox commands 22 per cent, Chrome 11 per cent, Safari 6 per cent and Opera 2 per cent.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Don’t miss this chance to buy a MacBook Air at $200 off
The MacBook Air on a table in front of a window.

For those who have always wanted to get one of Apple's MacBooks but can't stomach the price tag, here's your chance to buy one for a relatively affordable price. Best Buy has slashed the price of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3 to only $699, for savings of $200 on its sticker price of $899. You need to act fast though, as there's always high demand for MacBook deals. The stocks that are up for sale may already be gone as soon as tomorrow.

Why you should buy the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3

Read more
This HP Chromebook is under half-price today — just $190
The HP Chromebook 14 laptop on a white background.

You should turn your attention towards Chromebook deals if you want to buy a new laptop on a tight budget, and we've found an offer that you won't want to miss. From its original price of $410, the HP Chromebook 14 is down to just $190 for savings of $220 from Walmart. You won't always have the chance to get this device for less than half-price though -- in fact, the opportunity may be gone as soon as tomorrow. If you want to take advantage of the discount, you need to buy the Chromebook right now.

Why you should buy the HP Chromebook 14

Read more
Avast’s most complete antivirus plan is 70% off right now
Couple making selfie inside car with open window.

Avast has been popping off with incredible deals this month. The antivirus company recently offered 70% off its Premium tier of virus protection. For the next 30 days, Avast is extending that offer to its Ultimate tier of protection. That means you can protect one device with Avast Ultimate for $33 for a year, down from its usual $110. If you want to cover 10 devices, you'll only pay $42 instead of $140.

Let's dive into what Avast Ultimate offers and why you might want it over the free tier or the Premium plan. This deal is live now, and will stick around for the next four weeks.

Read more