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by nemothekid 42 days ago
None of the information on the website I would argue is a dark pattern. The remote server knows my IP address? Yes that's how the web works.

The server knows my window's resolution? Well I think thats very useful information for the application to have for layouting.

You know what other application is recording my keystrokes right now? HackerNews. "recording keystrokes" is also known as "typing in a text box"
2 comments
fragmede 42 days ago
There's a difference between HN getting the final text when you hit "reply" and a site using JavaScript to time how long it takes you to hit each individual key press and how many times you hit backspace or moved your mouse to switch to a different tab to look something up or if you made up some facts in the comment or if you used an extension like grammarly or anything else.
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nemothekid 42 days ago
>site using JavaScript to time how long it takes you to hit each individual key press and how many times you hit backspace

You mean like a video game? Are video games now nefarious applications tracking you? Your browser is not "leaking" anything to websites. It's hard to understand what you are even complaining about. If you don't want grammarly to record your keystrokes, then don't install grammarly.

It's like ordering a beer and then complaining about alcohol.

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brudgers 42 days ago
HN does not record your key strokes until and unless you click the reply link…and then only if recording your final edited comment counts as recording your keystrokes.

On the other hand, your browser might be recording each of your keystrokes just because it can and if your browser does, those keystrokes are not going to HN.

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nemothekid 42 days ago
It's trivial for HN to record your keystrokes. Any application that can read your keys can record your keystrokes - its fundamental to how software works. You wouldn't be able to write a game if you couldn't.

The distinction you are trying to make a is a distinction without a difference. If you don't want sites to "record your keystrokes", then don't use a computer. Trying to paint this as nefarious is a losing battle and completely undermines any awareness you are trying to bring about.

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