Feds considering reversing the ban on cookies to track computer usage

[buzz_knox]

So, we have an administration that retains the powers of the Patriot Act, and is now considering going one step beyond to track computer usage?  Orwell was a few years off.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/12/critics-decry-proposed-change-federal-cookie-policy/

[Standing Wolf]

Well, yeah, sure, but government is only working harder than ever for us.

[buzz_knox]

Obama promised transparency.  Too bad voters didn't realize he meant making the public more transparent to the gov't.

[Standing Wolf]

Obama promised transparency.  Too bad voters didn't realize he meant making the public more transparent to the gov't.

Yeah, or stealing all our money and stripping us naked.

[Racehorse]

Meh. I don't have a problem with this. Cookies can be disabled in your browser. Almost every commercial website out there is using cookies in some form or other. I don't think this is the malicious power grab some are making it out to be.

If you don't want the .gov to track you, disable your cookies. Problem solved.

[coppertales]

What makes you think they are not tracking the internet now?  Just like there is no gun registery either......chris3

[buzz_knox]

Meh. I don't have a problem with this. Cookies can be disabled in your browser. Almost every commercial website out there is using cookies in some form or other. I don't think this is the malicious power grab some are making it out to be.

If you don't want the .gov to track you, disable your cookies. Problem solved.

The problem is that commercial sites aren't covered by the Privacy Act of 1974, the First Amendment, or the Fourth Amendment.  The gov't is obtaining information on you and your choices/interests via your computer "movements," and not through direct interaction with the gov't (which constitutes a choice to allow them to obtain information).  It may not be a power grab, but that doesn't make it legal. 
 

[Racehorse]

I can't speak to the legalities of it. Maybe it is illegal. I don't know. I still don't see it as anything worth getting upset about. With all the other questionably legal and much more damaging stuff the government is doing, I have a hard time getting outraged about cookies. Especially when the cookies don't even work if I don't want them to.

[brimic]

The gov't is obtaining information on you and your choices/interests via your computer "movements," and not through direct interaction with the gov't (which constitutes a choice to allow them to obtain information).  It may not be a power grab, but that doesn't make it legal. 

Carnivore and Echelon have all of your communications tracked without cookies....

[PTK]

Nevermind

[Waitone]

I'll get upset about fed.gov planting cookies when I see commercial firms cease and desist planting cookies.

[jackdanson]

Chocolate chip cookies are better than government cookies.  So are oreos.

[Perd Hapley]

Is that some kind of racist remark about the President?!        

[seeker_two]

I'll get upset about fed.gov planting cookies when I see commercial firms cease and desist planting cookies.

It's all a part of the single-payer cookie system....all our bakeries belong to the government now.... 

[LAK]

The intelligence services of all nations have used commercial enterprises as fronts for the longest time. And when something is "illegal" in one country for one particular gov, there is nothing to stop the gov of another country gathering the info for them instead.