Is the new Cookie Diet just a lot of Flash?

So, you gave up cookies back when you were still using Netscape 4.0? If you're like me, you've tried slimming down with fad browsers like Dillo and HotJava. I can't tell you how many times I've jumped from one crashed browser to the next. You've turned off cookies and scripting and ActiveX controls, to no avail. I've even purged a few times, and my cache is still bloated.

I'm here to tell you--It's not your fault! Blame Adobe.

While you were painstakingly avoiding every cookie that came your way, web sites all over the Internet were secretly getting you hooked on Flash Cookies. Yes, Flash Cookies!

While you may have diligently banned cookies in your browser settings, Flash Cookies can't be controlled through privacy settings in your browser. What's worse, some are even able to store and reinstate traditional cookies, even after you've dumped them.

Open Share Icon

Even the ever-popular "AddThis" button (not to be confused with the "AddToAny", AKA, "Share/Save" button below) found on many blogs, utilizes a Flash Cookie that, while providing continuity across various web sites that a user may visit, can also be used to track a user's browsing habits, interests, and predilections across an endless cycle of browsing sessions.

Or friends over at the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology and the Social Science Research Center (SSRN) have submitted a report to the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP) outlining their findings and general concern over the proliferation of undisclosed Flash cookies, and the lack of browser controls for users to protect their privacy.

Read more @ Wired (http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/08/you-deleted-your-cookies-think-again/)

About Jeff M. Fischbach

Jeff Michael Fischbach is founder and President of SecondWave Information Systems (SecondWave.com), a consulting firm specializing in Forensic Technology. Since 1994, he has served as a board member and technology adviser to numerous professional organizations and corporations. Mr. Fischbach has been engaged as a litigation consultant and Forensic Examiner, offering expert advice and oversight on matters involving intellectual property, computers, information systems, satellite, tracking and wireless communications technologies. He has advised law enforcement, foreign government representatives, judges, lawyers and the press.