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Apple and Privacy issues

I've been an Apple guy since the beginning, always felt smug about how reliable their platform was and how Apple treated customers with respect and honored the highest standards of privacy.

Lately there has been a growing problem with Apple, probably some of you using Apple for music or movies know about this but seems most do not.

For instance, the new Apple (Safari) browser will load Google track cookies even if you choose Ixquick (private browser) as primary and Yahoo as backup.

This occurs if Safari is loaded and UNUSED in 15 minutes or less. In other words there is an autoload of Google track cookies before you use the browser or visit any web site.

I searched forums at Apple and other computer sites and there are a few people aware of this. Seems it occurred in the last 30 days or so via automated updates of system and Safari browser software.

Worse still, the latest version of Apple system software (Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard) DOES NOT allow removal of Google cookies, even via security tab when you select and press delete.

As if that were not enough, the CIA and Google are building a massive network to track all internet traffic. They refer to it as "Predictive Analytics."

I'm an honest person, nothing to hide but I resent the attack on privacy this represents. I'll continue to use Ixquick and have switched to Firefox as my primary browser and removed Safari from my menu bar.

Never thought I would see the day I griped about Apple, I've never owned anything else and now they are looking worse than Microsoft with their privacy snooping.

Google/CIA
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xalbertporter
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,407 posts
 
Interesting.

Apple does what is best for Apple.

Not that other competitors do not as well, but the proprietary nature of Apple technology has always led me to steer clear as much as possible.

"Predictive Analytics" means that the data will be mined for patterns of behavior of interest to whoever is doing the "mining". Like most things, that info can be used or abused.

I use Mozilla exclusively in that is an open source browser where many parties have more of a skin in the game. That helps to deter or at least delay potential abuses of the technology, or at least that is what one would hope for.
docdan50
71 posts
 
I went to the security tab under safari, searched for google and was able to delete the cookies.
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter OP
4,949 posts
 
I went to the security tab under safari, searched for Google and was able to delete the cookies.

You are fortunate or maybe different software version. Maybe this article and discussion will help?

MacWorld

Discussion.Apple
larry_s
128 posts
 
What does Safari, Google or CIA have to do with listening to audio? Please take your soapbox elsewhere.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Albert, It's all about national security.

The CIA got word about your humor and how that often comes out in jokes. They want to compile a list of all of your comments. Then flood Al Queda with it. While the terrorists are laughing...they'll do what needs to be done.

(that is if the jokes don't get em first) :) !!!

I for one am glad you posted this. I am toying with computer based audio. So I think this is a pertinent topic for Audiogon since browers like safari are a critical component in this audio source.

No one is forcing anyone to read it and it's appropriatly labeled.

So if you're on a soapbox, then we have another now to. Besides, isn't what these forums are about? Expressing opinions and sometimes facts, sharing viewpoints, and discussing with others...

Thanks for posting
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