Web Privacy in Practice: Assessing Internet Security and Patron Privacy in North American Public Libraries

Abstract

What security measures are used on library public-access computers? Many best practices exist —including routine plugin updates, default private browsing, and extensions such as HTTPS Everywhere and Privacy Badger — to protect patrons from unwanted data disclosure as well as surreptitious tracking of web browsing behavior. How many libraries actually follow these practices? How many go beyond and actively empower their users with anti-tracking or anonymizing tools such as Tor? This poster presents the results of a survey of public and academic libraries designed to assess the efficacy and focus of security and privacy measures being offered to on-site patrons in responding institutions.