NSA Web site puts 'cookies' on computers

[FreedomAngel82]

I'm sorry if this has been posted before. I saw this and had to share.

Link: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/tech/D8EPN03G2.htm?campaign_id=apn_tech_down&chan=tc

Snip: <DEC. 29 12:11 A.M. ET The National Security Agency's Internet site has been placing files on visitors' computers that can track their Web surfing activity despite strict federal rules banning most of them.

These files, known as "cookies," disappeared after a privacy activist complained and The Associated Press made inquiries this week, and agency officials acknowledged Wednesday they had made a mistake. Nonetheless, the issue raises questions about privacy at a spy agency already on the defensive amid reports of a secretive eavesdropping program in the United States.

"Considering the surveillance power the NSA has, cookies are not exactly a major concern," said Ari Schwartz, associate director at the Center for Democracy and Technology, a privacy advocacy group in Washington, D.C. "But it does show a general lack of understanding about privacy rules when they are not even following the government's very basic rules for Web privacy." Until Tuesday, the NSA site created two cookie files that do not expire until 2035 -- likely beyond the life of any computer in use today.>

More at the link....

[GrumpyGreg]

1. I'm beginning to think we will all soon be back to paper,ink,

secret code,and messengers on horseback.

Is privacy dead in the age of cyberspace?

Scary stuff!

[wtmusic]

2. From a technical standpoint

I don't believe this is possible. Most browsers have secure mechanisms to prevent anything more than learning the most recent website you visited. :shrug:

[kay1864]

3. You're correct...

...it is not possible. My post at an earlier thread on this topic:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2338223&mesg_id=2338297

[Ian David]

4. Behold, the amazing and mystical power of the "search" button

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=search&select_forum=104

Ooooh!

I tried passing my divining rod over the keyboard first, but I found the "search" button worked better.