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Tracker blocking extensions

  • I generally don't use extensions any more, except for the Disconnect tracker blocking extension. This extension needs permission to 'access your data on all websites'. The problem is, this permission is quite vague and I have no idea how much sensitive information Disconnect can gather or is gathering. The simple option would be just to uninstall it but then I'd have no tracker protection (at least as much as Disconnect actually claims to block). Are there any tracker blocking solutions that don't use extensions? Is it safer just to uninstall Disconnect and browse without it?

    I've seen a few discussions relating to extensions and their permissions but would be interested to hear peoples views on privacy protecting extensions. especially tracker blockers and the potential risks this 'access your data on all websites' permission can have to our...wait for it...privacy.

  • Opera already contains Easylist and Easyprivacy, lists which are part of the builtin addblocker. Make sure both are activated.


    EasyPrivacy is an optional supplementary filter list that completely removes all forms of tracking from the internet, including web bugs, tracking scripts and information collectors, thereby protecting your personal data."*

    As far as that permission, it is necessary for some extensions to function. So it is a matter of trust and reputation, I suppose. But the permission doesn't imply that it collects and exchanges personal data, or if it can.

    Here is the summary of the main adblocker filters available:

  • @s390g2 Thanks for the response. I have already activated the EasyPrivacy filter list but didn't really know what it was until now. I'm not sure I believe this filter list removes all trackers as it claims but then again we've no real way of proving that with extensions either. The plus for Disconnect is that I can toggle content blockers on and off (some are vital for page functionality). Opera's EasyPrivacy is just a simple on or off.

    I do understand permissions are necessary for extensions to be able to function. It makes sense a tracker blocker would need to access my browsing data. It's unfortunate that extensions are extremely vague as to what these permissions are doing for a specific extension. I assume Disconnect is just monitoring browsing data to search for trackers. No way of really knowing though.

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