In previous Notes I wrote that browsers collect users personal data and trade the information with data brokers at huge price. Since we spend so much time with our smart devices not only to conduct our daily activities but we depend on them.
How could we secure our personal & sensitive data during browsing? The answer is choosing privacy enhanced browsers. The Digital Trends recommends the following browsers for data privacy:
Brave
In it’s website Brave, the browser is described as “built by a team of privacy focused, performance oriented pioneers of the web. .. to fix browsing together.”
Main features: automatic HTTPS connection upgrades, ability to block ads and scripts, manage cookies, native password manager. customizable shield (read: security) settings on a “per-site or browser-wide basis.”
Firefox
Mozilla Firefox website states that “its products are designed to protect your privacy. We make a point of knowing less about you. .. We do the hard work to protect your personal info ..You’ll always know where you stand with us.” On why to trust Firefox? it says “because we put people first. ..From day one, it’s been our mission to protect the internet and everyone on it”.
Main features: default privacy settings with customizable list of privacy & security settings (blocking cookies & third parties trackers, level of security settings). Tracking protection in private browsing mode.
More protection. Less worry. We’re obsessed with protecting your privacy. That’s why we’ve made Firefox Private Browsing more powerful than the others.
Firefox, Mozilla Foundation
Highlights of Firefox private browsing mode include: browsing without trace, catching hidden trackers, and blocking ads with hidden trackers.
Tor
Its recommended for & widely popular among total security-minded users. Its website tagline read “Browse Privately. Explore Freely. Defend yourself against tracking and surveillance. Circumvent censorship.”
We believe everyone should be able to explore the internet with privacy. We are the Tor Project, a 501(c)3 US nonprofit. We advance human rights and defend your privacy online through free software and open networks.
Tor Browser
Main features: automatic deletion browser history and cookies after browsing, the blocking of third-party trackers, protection with three layers encryption for your web traffic, “as it passes over the Tor network.”
Safari
Apple Safari website describes safari browser as “built-in privacy features keep your browsing your business”. It further states that “privacy and security aren’t just something you should hope for — they’re something you should expect. That’s why features to help protect your privacy and keep your Mac secure are built into Safari.”
Defending your online privacy and security.
Safari, Apple
Main features: intelligent tracking prevention, built-in protection of websites with sand-boxing, fingerprinting defense, protection from harmful sites, and private browsing mode.
Browser Choice Matters
As stated in the previous Notes post, because web browsers are the main contact points of our interaction with the internet, our choices of browsers on personal devices and use habits makes significant difference how our personal information are being exposed.
Contents of this Note is sourced from The best browsers for privacy on Digital Trends. Cover image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay