Privacy on the Web

Following my last post, I began to search the problem of privacy on the web.  Sure, we can trust Google – can’t we?  But can we trust an unscrupulous employee.  You see, Google and other service providers – and porn sites can place tracking cookies which monitor where we go on the web.  My grocer provides regular discounts on food when I identify myself at checkout – Sure, I also receive special coupons based on what I purchase – but the credit card I use (and its number) can be recorded on their computer – if they wish to do so, and an unscrupulous worker might have access to a part of my financial identity.

You might use Gmail, a Google blog, their Chrome browser, their blog groups (you tell Google which blogs you wish to follow), etc. In no time there is enough information about you to learn – and some of it might not be what you want people to know about.

So, one attempt at a solution is to use a browser which will erase any cookies or web history each time you exit the browser.  Chrome and Firefox both offer this feature (I never use Microsoft’s browser because I do not trust it – it is a favorite hacker target because of its popularity.  Unfortunately, private browsing features do not let you hide where you surf from your ISP (Internet Service Provider).  Perhaps you are a Nazi skinhead, a terrorist, an evil person – the US government might pass a provision of the patriot act which requires your ISP to provide information about you.

Perhaps you have democratic party leanings – or republican party leanings.  Remember it is ultimately the vote counters, not the voters, who elect our public officials.  Beware of politicians who want to use the web for the casting of votes.

At this time the safest way to protect yourself from web intrusion is to “pay” to use one of the various VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) which are available.  Until the government passes a law requiring your information from them, you will likely be safer.  Note: because VPNs require you to surf the web through their server(s), your download and response times might be slower.  For more information google “VPN Service” and check out the offerings. 

I hope you find this interesting ….. and useful.