IE 8 to sport traceless browsing

Microsoft is testing a new feature in Internet Explorer 8 which will allow users to surf without recording data.

The inPrivate mode will not record visits to the user's history and will not allow sites to place cookies on the user's system.

Many industry pundits have been quick to point out the most obvious use of the feature, nicknaming it "porn mode," in reference to the ability to view adult sites without leaving a trail for employers or family members to follow.

Microsoft notes, however, that there are other important uses for the feature in regards to protecting privacy.

"Perhaps you’re using someone else’s computer and you don’t want them to know which sites you visited," explained program manager Andy Zeigler in a blog posting.

"Maybe you need to buy a gift for a loved one without ruining the surprise. Maybe you’re at an internet kiosk and don’t want the next person using it to know at which website you bank."

In addition to covering browsing history, the inPrivate feature will also allow users to block or ask permission to run other items, such as javascript code, which could be used to track a user's browsing pattern.

The feature will be able to limit which sites are blocked, allowing for sites on the user's favorites list to run as normal. Users can also download and maintain "subscription" lists which specify sites to block or allow as a rule.