[Infowarrior] - Hotmail imposes tracking cookies for logout

[Richard Forno]

Hotmail imposes tracking cookies for logout

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/11/12/hotmail_cookies/
By Chris Williams • Get more from this author

2th November 2009 15:19 GMT



Hotmail users are now unable to log out of their account if the  
browser they are using does not accept third party cookies.

The move by Microsoft raises security concerns, particularly as PCs on  
corporate networks and in cybercafes and libraries are often set to  
reject cookies.

The error screen* that greets users who try to log out tells them they  
must re-enable third party cookies or close every browser window.

Third party cookies are most commonly used by advertising networks to  
track surfers across the web.

We've asked Microsoft what is behind its demand they are enabled, and  
whether it's considered the potential security implications. We'll  
update this story when it gets back to us.

Thanks to Reg reader Phil for spotting the change. ®