Who can see what you’re doing online can vary, but the basics are always the same. You may think that using incognito mode is enough to hide your search history, but in all honesty, there’s very little you can keep private online.
First off, your Internet provider can always see what you’ve been up to. Using incognito mode, for example, only masks your browser history; your Internet provider can still see every site you visit. Because your Internet provider has access to all the sites visited while using their services, so does the account holder. Kids, this means that if your parents so choose they have access to every site that you’ve visit (provided they’re the account holder). This holds true no matter where you are. It may seem rather obvious because it makes sense that the one providing you the with the Internet would have access to what it is you’re accessing with their service, but it’s worth the reminder.
You may think that while at school there are too many sites being accessed for yours to matter, and you would be right in a sense. While websites with harmless content probably won’t set off any red flags, most schools use content filters and screening programs that detects certain online searches. In essence, looking up pictures of puppies wouldn’t trigger an alert, but any site featuring violence, porn, cyberbullying, etc. would be detected and dealt with accordingly.
When it comes to who can see you online, there’s usually a way it can be tracked. The best way to avoid getting into trouble? Just don’t look at sites that you shouldn’t be looking at. It’s an easy and simple solution, and trust us, you aren’t missing out on anything.
Dabney Bragg
