Installing privacy software?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MattEZ
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
M

MattEZ

Guest
This might be a little different than most cases, but basically I was looking at our tablet recently, and I noticed in the most popular webpages that there was a pornographic site listed. Now it’s really only my dad and myself that use the tablet, and neither of us would look that up so I was a bit confused. So to be safe I installed some privacy software onto it that would flash up the search history and whether any dodgey websites were searched for, delivering it to me as an email.

I now realise that there is a strong chance that it was a visitor who stayed with us for an extended period of time during when the search history was recorded. However, I was wondering if it was immoral to keep the privacy software on the tablet to be safe? Should I tell the rest of the family it’s there?

Cheers
 
Do you own the tablet? If you do, you can install privacy software.

Does your dad own the tablet? If so, you need to ask his permission.

And in the future, don’t loan out devices to visitors.
 
The law has been clear on this.

Whomever owns the electronic has the right to install whatever software they want. There have been many cases where people tried, and failed, to say that being a user entitled them to privacy. It does not.

If you are a minor your parents own the electronics by default, so you’ll need to consult with your dad either way.
 
Hey, thanks for the reply. I’m over 18 and the tablet was given to me as a Christmas present many years ago. I just don’t use it much anymore.

So I’m not too concerned about the legality of it, just more the mortality. I installed it more as a kneejerk reaction and am thinking I’ll just uninstall it. Perhaps an app that could block these sites would have been more appropriate, but can’t afford to purchase one that isn’t free.
 
MattEZ said:
Hey, thanks for the reply. I’m over 18 and the tablet was given to me as a Christmas present many years ago. I just don’t use it much anymore.

So I’m not too concerned about the legality of it, just more the mortality. I installed it more as a kneejerk reaction and am thinking I’ll just uninstall it. Perhaps an app that could block these sites would have been more appropriate, but can’t afford to purchase one that isn’t free.
Click to expand...
Well, while morality and legality aren’t always linked, understanding what is legal can be a good starting point.

If you’re over 18 you can do whatever you want to your device. If you’re going to let someone else touch it, you should have some sort of security app. Heck, my kids are little and I use security to keep them from accidentally deleting pictures and whatnot. I won’t hand off my computer or tablet ever, unless I’m with that person, even my best friend. Hubby is the only one who gets to do whatever. He knows more than me anyway.

Side note–I’d take a washcloth, douse it in rubbing alcohol and wash the thing tho. EWWW.
 
Thanks for that. The thing is that while it’s technically mine, as I don’t really use it much anymore it’s pretty much become my dad’s, so that’s what I was more unsure about.

But the thing is that we didn’t intentionally give the tablet to this person. Often they were home by themselves, and I think it was probably during this time that they used it.

However, as they’re not staying with us anymore, I’m going to delete the software and just reinstall it again if needed.
 
MattEZ said:
Thanks for that. The thing is that while it’s technically mine, as I don’t really use it much anymore it’s pretty much become my dad’s, so that’s what I was more unsure about.

But the thing is that we didn’t intentionally give the tablet to this person. Often they were home by themselves, and I think it was probably during this time that they used it.

However, as they’re not staying with us anymore, I’m going to delete the software and just reinstall it again if needed.
Click to expand...
Uhhh yeah, passcode lock that thing. Don’t leave electronics hanging about the house.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top