Your personal information is among the most valued assets on earth. Today, data holds tremendous value to technology firms such as Google and Facebook, as well as third parties that collect your data for a variety of purposes. For instance, Cambridge Analytica benefited from using Facebook user data to target adverts and refine messages to influence the 2016 US presidential elections.
However, numerous web browsers also follow your activities in the form of cookies and other software. For instance, Google Chrome permits tracker cookies to monitor what you do. Getting monitored by these browsers allows the companies behind these web browsers to sell user data (interests, activities, cookie information, etc.) to third parties. Fortunately, there are safer internet browsers that prioritize user privacy over data.
Listed below are some popular web browsers that reduce or outright eliminate data-scraping. However, to add another layer of protection, you can consider downloading a VPN to secure your browsers and encrypt your data over the internet.
Firefox
Firefox is a versatile browser, especially when it comes to security and privacy. It boasts strong privacy protection characteristics, in-depth options, and outstanding security features. Since 2017 when Firefox released their privacy-oriented Firefox Quantum browser, keeping the browser secure has never been easier.
Firefox isn’t the best data protection solution, but it can be customized and fortified. Be sure to deactivate the telemetry collection in Firefox. This feature gathers technical information and runs studies in your browser.
The other advantage of Firefox is the capability to utilize browser extensions to improve your security and privacy. Some of these extensions include:
- Ad-blockers to prevent ads from slowing down pages and accidental misclicks.
- Tracker disablers such as Privacy Badger.
- VPN browser extensions for easy access to a VPN connection.
Tor
Tor was established in 2002 by a non-profit. It protects your privacy and online activities by transferring data to three levels of relays located throughout the world through servers loaned to Tor. Browsing history and cookies are deleted automatically when you are done browsing. However, what makes Tor helpful is its server and relay system (onion routing). With Tor, you can access the dark web, a portion of the internet that only software such as Tor can access.
However, keep in mind that government agencies and ISPs can detect devices using Tor, although they can’t see what you’re doing.
Chromium
Although Chromium is connected to Google, the technology giant does not regulate how others use Chromium’s open-source code. Chromium is a less sophisticated browser, and you’ll put in a lot of work into customizing it to ensure smooth operation. You’ll also need to spend time learning how Chromium works (updates, for example) and the risks associated with it.
However, no browser matches Chromium when it comes to the sheer number of updates it receives. Chromium receives a new update almost every day. This schedule is ideal for fixing any vulnerability as soon as it arises. However, these updates require users to dig through files and know what they’re looking at and for. Also, there are many Chromium-based malevolent browsers online. These browsers may infect you with malware, rob you of data, or flood your device with pop-ups and unwelcome redirects.
Iridium Browser
Iridium is built from the ground-up to be a minimalist and safe browser. It was founded on Chromium and developed to prioritize user privacy. This may be a great choice for anyone looking for a browser supporting Chrome extensions while providing privacy Chrome doesn’t afford its users. Iridium offers many safety and privacy improvements over Chrome.
Bottom Line
Although some of the browsers featured here promise data security and user privacy, you can never be 100% sure they won’t mine your data for financial gain. You should add more layers of security to your device, such as by using security software and installing updates regularly.
