It seems that in the coming years we are waiting for a new stage of browser wars – the battle for user privacy. Now users are more and more thinking about the protection of their personal data and security while surfing the net. In the latest version of Firefox, the Enhanced Tracking Protection option is enabled by default, and Apple continues to embed privacy-oriented features in its Safari browser.
Today we will talk about several browsers and programs that put user privacy at the top of their list of priorities.
DuckDuckGo (Android, iOS, Browser Extension)
Ordinary user DuckDuckGo is known only as a competitor to Google, but this service also has a mobile browser for Android and iOS. It not only provides safe surfing, but also gives a lot of information about what is blocked.
By default, the use of HTTPS is enabled in DuckDuckGo. Each page is estimated on the basis of how persistently it tries to obtain user data.
In order to preserve the anonymity of the user, DuckDuckGo blocks cookies (small text files that are generated when the browser is used and are used for targeting advertising, tracking user interests, accounting for the number of impressions). You can clear tabs and data automatically at the end of each session, or erase this data manually. And you can even set a timer to automatically delete history after a period of time.
But Chrome and Firefox browsers already have similar add-ons, so DuckDuckGo doesn’t cause much interest. If suddenly someone wants to use it, then this is a good choice for getting good protection with minimal effort.
Ghostery (Android, iOS, Browser Extension)
Immediately after installation, this application starts blocking ads and tracking cookies, which monitor what the user is doing on the web.
As with the DuckDuckGo mobile apps, the Ghostery browser shows the user which trackers are blocked and how many snooping tools are installed on the website being viewed.
If it turns out that the site uses snooping mechanisms, you can block all cookies for it, even if it will open with errors after that.
A separate plugin Ghostery released for all popular browsers. You can view the trackers on any site, and then block them yourself or automatically using this program.
The Ghostery application works on deeper and more advanced algorithms than DuckDuckGo services. It can and should be used if you want to gain additional control over pages and portals that collect personal data.
Tor Browser (Android, Windows, macOS)
Tor Browser is a browser for “surfing the net without surveillance or censorship.” This is just one of the services anonymous msgs th se ti Tor, which provides secure transfer of data. And if you need maximum protection and anonymity on the Internet, then you cannot do without it. Unfortunately, the iOS version has not yet been released.
In addition to the increased level of anonymity, this browser is very attentive to the scripts and applets on the sites. It also blocks all attempts at fingerprinting, a controversial technique that helps advertisers recognize the unique characteristics of a user’s device on websites.
At the end of each online session, everything is erased, including cookies and browsing history in the browser.
Due to additional encryption settings and anonymity, Tor Browser is much slower than other browsers, but today it is the best means of anonymity on the network. With it, you can access the Internet in countries where it is blocked or restricted for censorship reasons.
Brave (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS)
Brave is the browser of former Mozilla Firefox developer Brendan Ike. His policy is to ensure that no one watches the user and at the same time show him advertising. Very dubious idea.
However, browser applications by default block ads and sites that can collect all user data from cookies and scripts.
You can block trackers, scripts, and fingerprinting attempts, but unlike DuckDuckGo and Ghostery, the browser provides a detailed description of the blocked components.
Brave also tries to fight phishing and enforces HTTPS encryption where it is allowed. These measures provide a reasonable balance between simplicity and power.
Time will tell if Brave can create a privacy-respecting advertising platform, but its users are already being paid for viewing ads. You can also directly make small donations to the sites you like.
Firefox (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS)
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, Firefox now blocks cookies by default. It has become easier to block access to the user’s location and laptop microphone.
The most protected version of the program is for the PC platform.
For even stronger protection against trackers and ad blocking, there is a Firefox Focus application (for Android and iOS). This is a stripped-down version of the Firefox browser, but if speed and privacy are top priorities, then it is definitely worth a try.
The Firefox browser for desktops and mobile devices is a handy and proven browser. This is the best solution for privacy and convenience. There are a lot of things that will please those who want to better control information about themselves, as well as all the usual browser functions (for example, extension support and password synchronization).
Safari (iOS, macOS)
Apple continues to add anti-intelligence features to every new version of Safari. Safari already blocks cookies and fingerprinting components.
Security measures will become even more serious in the fall of 2019, when new versions of iOS 13 and macOS Catalina come out. The browser will even warn the user if the password is too weak.
Safari becomes more secure after Apple promises to collect as little information about its users as possible and store most of this information encrypted on the device, and not on Apple servers.
Like most Apple products, Safari is convenient for those who have several Apple devices at once – for example, you can easily switch between browsing on the iPhone and Mac.