Microsoft follows browser ballot with IE8 'porn mode' TV ads

Posted on 2 Mar 2010 at 10:47

Microsoft may have had to bow down to the EU and give users a choice of browser via a ballot, but it's not giving up Internet Explorer's market share easily. In an attempt to sway people's ballot choice, the company has launched a bizarre set of IE8 TV adverts.

Aired during primetime shows yesterday (Monday 1st March 2010) on a variety of channels, the new ads follow closely the style defined by the Windows 7 "I'm a PC and..." slots. With IE8 the current adverts focus on the private browsing features.

Although the guy in the ad uses the InPrivate Browsing feature to hide gifts he's buying for his wife, the suggestive tone to the advert just makes it come across as though IE8 is the best choice for sneakily looking at porn.

Twitter users seem to agree.

"The ad for IE8 pretending Private Browsing is so men can buy surprises for their wives makes me laugh. WE ALL KNOW IT'S FOR VIEWING PORN," said one user.

"Just seen shonky IE8 ad. Turning off browsing history for a man is not about hiding what you've bought for your wife... it's porn. Simples," said another.

Author: David Ludlow

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