Microsoft have confirmed that Internet Explorer 8, due to be released later this year, will include the new InPrivate Browsing feature.
Already dubbed by some commentators as ‘porn mode’, the new privacy option enables the user to control whether or not IE saves browsing history, cookies, and other data. The new browser also improves functionality for cleaning browsing history after a surfing session.
In the ensuing debate on various blogs, there have been suggestions that Microsoft are practically condoning sneaky porn surfing. Will this product lead to further porn obsessions and guilty secrets? Other commentators feel that the feature is long overdue. At least porn fans will be less likely to accidentally expose their online tracks to wives and children.
In truth, reaction and debate interests me more than the new IE8 features. In not sure InPrivate will make much difference, beyond making covering tracks even more of a no-brainer than it is already. Addicts will probably use InPrivate alongside their trusty history eraser program for good measure.
Savvy organisations will disable the InPrivate feature as soon as IE8 is rolled out, and continue monitoring employees just as before. Parents with an interest in their children’s internet use should take a similar approach.
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