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*shudders*
All-knowing browser
Ever given false information when prompted for personal details by a website? Don't worry, the US copying and computing company Xerox hopes to eliminate that kind of questioning because it believes it can get the information without even asking.
Even if you choose not to reveal who you are, Xerox says it can determine demographic information such as your age, sex and perhaps even your income by analysing the pattern of pages you choose to access on the web and comparing them to a database of surfing patterns from other users with a known background.
Xerox suggests that the idea could be used by online merchants and advertisers who want to identify the types of users visiting their websites.
Of course, the approach will only work so long as different people do not use the same browser profile. And, unfortunately, the patent application does not address possible privacy concerns.
From here
All-knowing browser
Ever given false information when prompted for personal details by a website? Don't worry, the US copying and computing company Xerox hopes to eliminate that kind of questioning because it believes it can get the information without even asking.
Even if you choose not to reveal who you are, Xerox says it can determine demographic information such as your age, sex and perhaps even your income by analysing the pattern of pages you choose to access on the web and comparing them to a database of surfing patterns from other users with a known background.
Xerox suggests that the idea could be used by online merchants and advertisers who want to identify the types of users visiting their websites.
Of course, the approach will only work so long as different people do not use the same browser profile. And, unfortunately, the patent application does not address possible privacy concerns.
From here
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no subject
That's so dodgy hey.
Apparently the privacy laws in America may allow that kind of stuff. I know that when you visit the bigger American websites, they try to direct you to the Australian counterpart because they can immediately read whether you're in the US or not. I think that in Australia we're alot more protected from that kinda thing though...but who knows...over the net, its difficult to really enforce...
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no subject
Hopefully someone will ask the right ethical questions of the patent. *shrugs*
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no subject
You're right, it is really more intrusive than usual. I find it annoying enough that they already know where you're from just by IP.
I'm sure someone will ask...someone has to O_o;;;
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no subject
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