Google, Apple Scenario Suggests, Once Again, Online Privacy Really Doesn't Exist

Author:

Laurie Sullivan

Source:

Privacy on the Internet does not exist. Technology enables Web browsers to track mobile or desktop interactions with Web sites and content. Whether intentional or by mistake, sensitive data -- even emails -- are duplicated as they traverse the Internet on their way from one outbox to another's inbox. No Web application or software can prevent the leak of information or data collection. And even if they do, there's always some smart tech whiz who can circumvent privacy settings.

On Friday, several congressmen called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Google after The Wall Street Journal reported that companies bypassed Apple Safari browser privacy settings on phones and computers. But the Internet supports no rules -- like the days of the wild, wild West.

While I have stressed this point in the past, last week's Wall Street Journal article brings up the topic again. And it's beyond me why anyone would think otherwise -- although a dozen or so recent privacy bills encourage companies to adopt better practices, and companies like Apple try to design their browsers or apps to block tracking by default...