Skip to main content

Microsoft’s Project Spartan browser will not enable Do Not Track by default

microsoft open sources graph engine microsoftlogo
Drserg/Shutterstock
Though it was considered a champion of privacy when it enabled Do Not Track (DNT) by default in the 2012 release of its Internet Explorer browser, it looks like Microsoft will be reversing that decision. Beginning with its next browser, currently code-named Spartan, Microsoft will have DNT disabled by default.

This news was announced by the software giant’s chief privacy officer, Brendon Lynch, in a blog post, where he blamed the company’s change of stance on “evolving” standards online and within the technology industry. While this could easily suggest that Microsoft is pandering to a stronger advertising lobby, or that people don’t care about privacy in the same way as they did a few years ago, Lynch claims that instead, disabling the feature is a more accurate reflection of web standards that are pioneered and championed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

In the latest W3C filings, the Microsoft points out that enabling a feature by default, could be considered just as much a reflection of a vendor or organization’s choice, rather than that of the individual. By leaving the choice up to them as to whether they want it enabled or not, it lets the user decide for themselves.

As the specific part of the W3C briefing states: “In the absence of user choice, there is no tracking preference expressed.”

DNT was initially conceived in 2009 as a way for users to opt-out of having data about them tracked by advertisers and other parties. One of the major problems with the standard is the fact it’s not really enforceable; websites can simply elect not to honor the request. This was a contributing factor to Microsoft’s decision to drop enabling the feature by default, as Lynch stated in his blog post that “websites that receive a DNT signal from the new browsers [with DNT enabled by default] could argue that it doesn’t reflect the users’ preference, and therefore, choose not to honor it.”

While this may seem a major change of course, it’s likely to be inconsequential for privacy. Many websites don’t currently honor DNT, including Facebook and Google, so there’s limited benefit to enabling it. That will remain true until the standard’s enforcement gains teeth.

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…
Microsoft brings Windows 11 design improvements to Edge browser
The Microsoft Edge browser on a flat surface.

Microsoft's Edge browser is getting a visual overhaul to make it look consistent with the upcoming release of the Windows 11 operating system this fall. The Windows 11-inspired UI will bring features such as a thinner, more consistent scrollbar overlay to the browser as well as updates to the title bar icons. Though the features aren't available to all Windows users, those who sign up to beta test Microsoft's browser releases through the Edge Insider program can experience the new design elements ported from Windows 11 today.

If you're curious and want to try out Edge's new visual changes, be sure to sign up for Microsoft's Edge Insider Program and download the Canary Channel build. Keep in mind that Canary versions get updated nightly, and you may experience bugs or glitches. The browser is available for both Windows and Mac users.

Read more
Microsoft Edge to stop auto-playing videos by default
Microsoft Edge browser open on a laptop.

Ever go to a webpage in Microsoft Edge only to have a video start playing in the background without your permission? Microsoft has heard those pains, and starting in Edge version 92, will change a settings toggle by default so that by default, you'll no longer be annoyed.

The news is highlighted in the Microsoft 365 roadmap, as pointed out by TechRadar. In that road map, Microsoft mentions that Edge version 92 will help you keep your focus online by changing the default for auto-playing media to "Limit" from "Allow." The page also mentions that the feature is rolling out now, so if you're in the Beta or Dev and Canary beta channels and beta testing preview versions of the browser, you might already be seeing this change applied.

Read more
Track your pets with 24/7 GPS monitoring with the LTE-enabled Whistle Switch
Whistle Switch Smart Collar

Almost every pet owner has felt that moment of stomach-dropping panic when you can't find your pet. The Whistle Switch Smart Collar offers 24/7 GPS location tracking to ensure this never happens again; you will always know where your pet is, even if you're out hiking and Fido decides to take a more roundabout path to where he's going.

In addition to location tracking, the Whistle Switch Smart Collar provides a host of other information related to your pet -- like how much they are scratching, how much they drink each day, how often they're licking, and even how well they sleep. Think of it as a full-body fitness tracker for your four-legged friend. Catching health problems early can help you get ahead of them and treat the issue before it becomes something much more serious.

Read more