Stories with Tag Disable

• Microsoft begins turning off uBlock Origin and other extensions in Edge

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  Posted: 2025-02-28 05:20:13

  Verbose tl;dr

  Microsoft Edge users are reporting that the browser is disabling installed extensions, including popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin, without user permission. This appears to be related to a controlled rollout of a new mandatory extension called "Extensions Notifications" which seems to conflict with existing extensions, causing them to be automatically turned off. The issue is not affecting all users, suggesting it's an A/B test or staged rollout by Microsoft. While the exact purpose of the new extension is unclear, it might be intended to improve extension management or notify users about potentially malicious add-ons.

  Recent reports indicate that Microsoft has commenced disabling certain browser extensions, notably including the popular ad-blocking utility uBlock Origin, within its Edge web browser. This action appears to be affecting a subset of Edge users seemingly at random, with no discernible pattern based on user configuration, specific extension versions, or Edge build numbers. The deactivation manifests as the extensions unexpectedly switching to an "off" state, effectively ceasing their functionality. Users encountering this issue have reported that manually re-enabling the extensions provides a temporary solution; however, the extensions are observed to be disabled again, often after a system reboot or simply after a period of time.

  While Microsoft has not issued an official statement addressing this specific behavior, the prevailing speculation attributes it to a potential bug within a recent Edge update. This hypothesis arises from the seemingly sporadic and involuntary nature of the disablements, suggesting an unintended consequence rather than a deliberate policy change. Affected users have expressed frustration with the disruption to their browsing experience, particularly those who rely on extensions like uBlock Origin for ad blocking and privacy protection. The lack of clear communication from Microsoft regarding the root cause and the absence of a consistent solution further exacerbate user concerns. Currently, the only reported workaround involves manually reactivating the affected extensions each time they are disabled, a process that is both inconvenient and temporary. This ongoing issue underscores the challenges users face with automatic software updates and the potential for unintended consequences to disrupt established workflows and personalized browser configurations. The situation remains fluid, awaiting further investigation and official acknowledgement from Microsoft.

  • Microsoft
  • Edge
  • uBlock Origin
  • Ad Blocker
  • Extensions
  • browser
  • Web Browser
  • privacy
  • Security
  • Technology
  • Software
  • news
  • update
  • Disable
  • Interference

  Summary of Comments ( 254 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43201974

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users largely express skepticism and concern over Microsoft disabling extensions in Edge. Several doubt the claim that it's unintentional, citing Microsoft's history of pushing its own products and services. Some suggest it's a bug related to sync or profile management, while others propose it's a deliberate attempt to steer users towards Microsoft's built-in tracking prevention or Edge's own ad platform. The potential for this behavior to erode user trust and push people towards other browsers is a recurring theme. Many commenters share personal anecdotes of Edge's aggressive defaults and unwanted behaviors, further fueling the suspicion around this incident. A few users provide technical insights, suggesting possible mechanisms behind the disabling, like manifest mismatches or corrupted profiles, and offering troubleshooting advice.

  The Hacker News comments section for the submitted NeoWin article, "Microsoft begins turning off uBlock Origin and other extensions in Edge," contains a robust discussion with varied perspectives on the issue. Several users express concern and skepticism about Microsoft's motivations, suggesting this move is an attempt to bolster their own advertising revenue or exert more control over the user experience. Some commenters point to the increasing trend of browsers limiting extension functionality and worry about the future of ad blocking and privacy-focused extensions. The potential for abuse and unintended consequences of disabling extensions without explicit user consent is a recurring theme.

  Several users share personal anecdotes of extensions being disabled without their knowledge, echoing the article's claims. They discuss the inconvenience and frustration this causes, especially for users who rely on these extensions for accessibility, productivity, or security. There's also speculation about the technical reasons behind the disabling, with some suggesting it may be related to profile syncing issues or conflicts between different versions of Edge.

  A counter-narrative emerges from some commenters who argue that the issue might be a bug rather than a deliberate action by Microsoft. They highlight the lack of official confirmation from Microsoft and suggest waiting for further clarification before jumping to conclusions. Some users also point out that extensions being disabled could be a security measure to protect users from malicious or compromised extensions. There's a discussion about the responsibility of extension developers to adhere to browser guidelines and ensure compatibility.

  Several commenters delve into technical details, discussing the mechanisms by which Edge manages extensions and the potential points of failure. They speculate about the role of Edge's internal update process and the possibility of corrupted extension data. Some users propose workarounds and troubleshooting steps for those experiencing the issue, such as reinstalling extensions, clearing browser data, or creating a new profile.

  Finally, a few comments touch on the broader implications of the issue for the future of the web and the balance of power between browser vendors and extension developers. The discussion highlights the tension between user choice and platform control, and the importance of open standards and transparency in the development of web technologies. Some users express a desire for more robust mechanisms for users to control their browsing experience and protect their privacy.

• How to turn off Apple Intelligence

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  Posted: 2025-02-01 09:11:37

  Verbose tl;dr

  The Asurion article outlines how to manage various Apple "intelligence" features, which personalize and improve user experience but also collect data. It explains how to disable Siri suggestions, location tracking for specific apps or entirely, personalized ads, sharing analytics with Apple, and features like Significant Locations and personalized recommendations in apps like Music and TV. The article emphasizes that disabling these features may impact the functionality of certain apps and services, and offers steps for both iPhone and Mac devices.

  The Asurion article, "How to Turn Off Apple Intelligence," provides a comprehensive guide for users of Apple devices who wish to limit the amount of data Apple collects for the purposes of improving its products and services. The article focuses on several key areas where data collection occurs and details the steps necessary to disable or restrict this collection. It begins by explaining that "Apple Intelligence" is a broad term encompassing various data gathering processes, not a single, monolithic feature that can be toggled on or off. Therefore, managing data sharing requires adjusting several individual settings across different areas of the operating system.

  The article carefully outlines how to manage "Personalized Recommendations," which leverage user data to suggest apps, music, and other content. It explains how to disable these recommendations within the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple TV, and for News notifications. The article provides specific instructions for each, including navigating to the relevant menus and toggling the appropriate switches. For instance, within the App Store, users can disable personalized recommendations by tapping on their profile icon, then selecting "Personalized Recommendations" and toggling the switch to the off position.

  Furthermore, the article addresses "Location Services," a feature that allows Apple and third-party apps to access location data. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the various levels of location access, including "Never," "While Using the App," "Always," and "Ask Next Time." The article thoroughly explains how to adjust these settings for individual apps, allowing users to granularly control which apps have access to their location and under what circumstances. The authors also highlight the "System Services" section within Location Services, which allows users to manage location-based system features such as location-based alerts, significant locations, and sharing location with family members.

  The article then delves into "Siri & Dictation," explaining how voice data is used to improve Siri's performance. It guides users through the process of disabling Siri and Dictation entirely, or alternatively, opting out of sharing audio recordings with Apple for review and improvement purposes. The steps involve navigating to the "Siri & Search" section within the device's settings and adjusting the relevant toggles.

  "Usage & Diagnostics," another significant data collection area, is also covered in the article. This feature shares diagnostic and usage data with Apple to help identify and resolve issues. The article explains how to disable the automatic sharing of this data by navigating to the "Privacy & Security" settings, then to "Analytics & Improvements," and disabling "Share [Device] Analytics."

  Finally, the article briefly touches upon "iCloud Analytics," which analyzes iCloud data to improve services like Siri and Photos. The article explains how to disable this feature for specific services, such as Photos, by navigating to the respective app's settings within iCloud.

  In conclusion, the article serves as a detailed manual for users who want to take control of their data privacy on Apple devices. It meticulously outlines the various data collection points, provides step-by-step instructions for disabling or limiting data sharing, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of each setting.

  • Apple
  • iOS
  • iPadOS
  • macOS
  • privacy
  • Data Collection
  • Analytics
  • Advertising
  • tracking
  • Personalization
  • Siri
  • iCloud
  • Settings
  • Intelligence
  • Disable
  • Opt-out
  • User Data
  • Device Settings
  • Tech Tips
  • Tutorial

  Summary of Comments ( 61 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42897041

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters largely express skepticism and distrust of Apple's "intelligence" features, viewing them as data collection tools rather than genuinely helpful features. Several comments highlight the difficulty in truly disabling these features, pointing out that Apple often re-enables them with software updates or buries the relevant settings deep within menus. Some users suggest that these "intelligent" features primarily serve to train Apple's machine learning models, with little tangible benefit to the end user. A few comments discuss specific examples of unwanted behavior, like personalized ads appearing based on captured data. Overall, the sentiment is one of caution and a preference for maintaining privacy over utilizing these features.

  The Hacker News post "How to turn off Apple Intelligence" (linking to an Asurion article about disabling personalized advertising and data collection features on Apple devices) generated a moderate number of comments, primarily focused on skepticism towards Asurion's motives and the effectiveness of the suggested "off" switches.

  Several commenters questioned Asurion's interest in users disabling these features, suggesting it might be counterintuitive for a company dealing with device insurance and repairs. One prominent theory was that Asurion benefits from users leaving these features on, as the increased data collection could lead to more targeted advertising, potentially influencing users to upgrade their devices more frequently, thus generating more business for Asurion through insurance policies and repairs. This was not presented as a malicious intent, but rather a consequence of the advertising ecosystem.

  There was also a significant amount of discussion regarding the efficacy of the toggles mentioned in the Asurion article. Some commenters argued that while these settings might offer a semblance of control, Apple likely still collects and utilizes user data in other ways, rendering these toggles less impactful than they appear. The consensus leaned towards the idea that these switches primarily control the personalization aspect of data usage, not the collection itself. A few users even expressed a sense of resignation, suggesting that comprehensive data collection is unavoidable in today's tech landscape, regardless of these individual settings.

  Some commenters shared personal anecdotes of disabling similar features, reporting no noticeable change in the frequency or relevance of targeted advertising. This further fueled the skepticism around the true impact of these toggles.

  Finally, a few comments branched off into related privacy concerns, such as location tracking and the overall data collection practices of large tech companies. However, these discussions remained relatively brief and tied back to the central theme of skepticism towards the effectiveness of Apple's privacy controls as presented by Asurion.