My Browser Said What?
One of the most overlooked (and under-cared about) aspects of online privacy is what browsers say about their owners. Generally, web browsers transmit a lot of data about what browser they are, certain software/hardware capabilities, and software versions. Transmitting information such as this has its uses- websites can warn about out-of-date software, and software sites can direct visitors to the appropriate download for their system. It does raise some security and privacy concerns as it makes it easier to track people. Even I can admit to simply not caring what my browser says about me.
With concern mounting regarding hacking and privacy, browser headers, as they’re called, will probably be thought about much more by the average privacy-aware web surfer, especially with the new Internet tracking bill passed by the government. There are browser extensions that can hide or mask the information your browser sends to the Internet, but while doing this improves privacy...