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Microsoft wants you to take privacy seriously (by using IE 10)

The software behemoth's new campaign wants you to take care of your online privacy, preferably by using its products a bit more.

Nick Hide Managing copy editor
Nick manages CNET's advice copy desk from Springfield, Virginia. He's worked at CNET since 2005.
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Nick Hide
2 min read

Microsoft just called me a "Privacy Procrastinator". I'm trying not to take it personally -- I've been called much worse. This is the result of a survey I've just taken where, slightly ironically, I told the software behemoth about my browsing habits in some detail. Microsoft wants us all to take privacy more seriously, with a new online campaign to highlight how seriously it takes privacy.

Your Privacy Type is an 11-question anonymous survey that gets you to think about the kinds of sites you use every day, and what information you give them.

"Your head's in the right place, you just need to put it into action!" the survey patronises. "Microsoft is finding ways to give you more control over things you want private -- and was recognized as one of 2012's most trusted companies by the Ponemon Institute -- so you can look to us for help.

"For example, Internet Explorer 10 offers features like InPrivate Browsing and Tracking Protection to increase your privacy choices. If you're using Windows 8, check out the new privacy settings that help determine if apps can use your location or other personal information. At Microsoft, your privacy is our priority."

InPrivate Browsing is what everyone else calls porn mode -- your browser deletes all your history, cookies and passwords when you close the window. Tracking Protection sends a 'Do Not Track' request to websites you visit, so you don't get bombarded with creepy ads for stuff you've just browsed.

Internet Explorer isn't the only browser with that option -- both Firefox (in Options > Privacy) and Chrome (Settings > Advanced settings) have Do Not Track features.

Microsoft's backing up the campaign with a series of ads, including this one -- approximately the 700th I've seen this year with a montage of a child growing up.

Are you a Privacy Procrastinator like me? Or are you fiercely private online? Are you sick of childhood-montage ads? Reveal anything you like in the comments, or on our privacy-loving (ahem) Facebook page.