Microsoft revealed the InPrivate privacy feature to be incorporated to the upcoming Internet Explorer 8, after applying to patent the term InPrivate with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office end of last month. InPrivate refers to computer programs for disabling the history of file caching features of a Web browser, and computer software for notifying a user of a Web browser when others are tracking Web use and for controlling the information others can access about such use.

Privacy is an important element that is much valued by individuals. Individuals must have the choice to conceal themselves or information about themselves and only reveal themselves selectively. Nevertheless, privacy seems to be a major concern for many users nowadays. Users cannot freely enjoy their browsing experience via current web browsers. Most current web browsers will leave a trail of digital breadcrumbs that can clearly reveal a user’s path across the Web. Many occasions in the past revealed that this information has been used by law enforcement officials investigating suspected criminals’ behavior, by employers keeping tab on staff’s browsing habits, and even by jealous spouses who suspect their partners of cheating or frequenting porn sites.

Source: MSDN Blogs