Google Toolbar Tracks Users Even When Disabled
Google's Toolbar for Internet Explorer collects your surfing habits even when disabled.
The Register reports that Google was caught with its pants down after a Harvard professor discovered Google's Toolbar tracking user browsing information even when disabled. The problem was discovered Monday by Ben Edelmen who backed up his claim by providing video evidence here. Although the Google Toolbar application was disabled in the browser window he was currently using, the application was still sending information back to the company. The same held true after disabling the Google Toolbar through Internet Explorer's "Manage Add-Ons" window.
Edleman blames the data transmission problem on the application's "enhanced features." Apparently when these are activated, the toolbar sends data such as filenames, URL parameters, search terms, domain names, and other info. He said that users are pushed into activating these features during installation without being fully aware of the information these features eventually transmit.
"The feature is described as 'enhanced' and 'helpful,' and Google chooses to tout it with a prominence that indicates Google views the feature as important," Edelman said. "Moreover, the accept button features bold type plus a jumbo size (more than twice as large as the button to decline). And the accept button has the focus - so merely pressing Space or Enter (easy to do accidentally) serves to activate Enhanced Features without any further confirmation."
Google has acknowledged the "bug," saying that the problem only affected versions 6.3.911.1819 through 6.4.1311.42 for Internet Explorer. The company has released an update that can be manually downloaded here, however Google said that the toolbar will automatically update today to address the problem.
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Google is gonna get owned for this
Uh-oh. Big boo boo for google. This happens just as google is branching out into other venues. Good job making people suspicious of anything google, you dopes.
Ever system that I work on that has a rogue spyware, maleware, or virus seems to have 3 or 4 tool bars installed. Maybe coincidence, but I urge users not to install them when given the choice regardless if it is from google, msn, yahoo, etc.
Wonder if they knew I now use Bing as my default web browser?
Wonder if they knew I now use Bing as my default web browser?
Bing WEB BROWSER? What in the world are you talking about?
Bing WEB BROWSER? What in the world are you talking about?
Bingernet Explorer. It comes in the same package as the new Duke Nukem game.
Hmm, I think I'll completely switch to a different search engine now. Google keeps hold of your search info the longest and apparently tracks your browsing sessions when they shouldn't.
OMG!!! Quicky jump on the Google bashing bandwagon until it's too late!
"And in other news, Google and Microsoft merged today in an attempt to take over the world but sources refuted this claim stating that without an iPad, it could not be done"
no wonder china was so upset
So, do I care that google knows I search for rough butt sex, including Bill Gates, a donkey and Britney? I mean that can't be that uncommon!
So, do I care that google knows I search for rough butt sex, including Bill Gates, a donkey and Britney? I mean that can't be that uncommon!
It isn't, unless you want it during the "auntie visit days". I haven't found anyone sharing this interest yet.
how surprising TOOLBARS are junk most of the3 time: i don't use them
So, do I care that google knows I search for rough butt sex, including Bill Gates, a donkey and Britney? I mean that can't be that uncommon!
Does Hitler care if you're Jewish? People can be hated for any reason, that's why privacy is important. You should be able to be you without having people judge you for it.
Google Toolbar : The bar for tools.
IE version 6.3.911.1819 through 6.4.1311.42?
Wow, I’d leave the ‘bug’ there.
If you’re running IE6 security is not your top concern anyways.
IE version 6.3.911.1819 through 6.4.1311.42?Wow, I’d leave the ‘bug’ there. If you’re running IE6 security is not your top concern anyways.
version 6 of google toolbar FOR internet explorer, not version 6 OF IE
This is why I never install tool bars.
Installing toolbar/s = noob
and peopel wonder why i ahve hated goggle for years now .. peopel often ask me "wehres your goodle" toolbar .. to which i reply ... doesn't exsist on my comp and it better not ..
main thign i swear i ahve gotten adware viruses from goodle's toolbar before , so every since then i don't use if any thing ask me if i want to install it i click no , if any thing requries i install it .. i dont
Who uses toolbars? People who don't care about this stuff in the first place.
and peopel wonder why i ahve hated goggle for years now .. peopel often ask me "wehres your goodle" toolbar .. to which i reply ... doesn't exsist on my comp and it better not .. main thign i swear i ahve gotten adware viruses from goodle's toolbar before , so every since then i don't use if any thing ask me if i want to install it i click no , if any thing requries i install it .. i dont
Please.... make it stop...
I'm beginning to think that you type like that on purpose.