Bad Flash, no Cookie

Fab-dad and techno-wizard Dan sends me word about how Flash has cookies. Here's the /. article. And here's a control panel to adjust security settings.

So, Macromedia, just WTF is Flash doing being able to access my built-in camera and microphone without asking me? Why do you need your own cookie file that really isn't accessible through the software? Are you really ignorant about the security and privacy concerns this "functionality" endangers?

For too long corporations have felt they have a freedom to run over their customer's rights and then only have to present a mea culpa for redemption. Much of modern internet functions rely on the use of Flash technology, so dumping the code isn't an option. Hauling the programmers and executives out into the streets to tar and feather them (not verbally, I mean real boiling tar and chicken feathers) should be the remedy. It's far better than the treatment they would have received just 200 years ago and we would only need to do it a few times before the situation rectifies itself.

Don't like that idea, Mr. Big Business Suit? The other option is to impose actual fines that would cripple your business and help the deficit. Say 50% of revenues (not profits, gross revenues). That should do it. Tar and feathering of a few key executives doesn't sound so bad anymore, does it? And yes, your violation of my privacy does rise to the level of your company being put out of business.