How to cover your tracks while you’re browsing the web

This article explains how to enhance your online privacy using the built-in privacy features of popular web browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge. The "do not track" setting is omitted due to its general ineffectiveness.

Google Chrome:

Access Chrome's settings (three dots, top right > Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data). While cookies generally pose minimal privacy risk individually, third-party cookies used by advertising networks for cross-site tracking are a concern. To mitigate this, enable "Block third-party cookies." You can also manage cookies for specific sites, including deleting them upon browser closure. Further privacy settings, particularly those related to Google's data collection, are managed within your Google account. Site settings allow control over access to location, webcam, microphone, clipboard, and USB devices.

Mozilla Firefox:

In Firefox (three parallel lines > Settings > Privacy & Security), select your preferred privacy level ("Standard," "Strict," or "Custom") to control third-party cookie blocking. Firefox uses a public list of known tracking cookies. You can also enable automatic cookie deletion upon closure. Individual site permissions for location, camera, microphone, etc., are managed separately. You can also control the type of data Firefox collects.

Apple Safari:

Safari (Safari menu > Preferences > Privacy) disables cross-site tracking by default. You can choose to block all cookies, though this may impact website functionality. Manage Website Data allows viewing and deleting existing cookies. Website permissions for camera, microphone, location, notifications, etc., are controlled separately. Private browsing mode offers a temporary, cookie-free browsing experience.

Microsoft Edge:

In Edge (three dots > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies and site data), you can enable "Block third-party cookies." The "Privacy, search, and services" menu offers tracking prevention levels ("Basic," "Balanced," "Strict"). You can view blocked trackers. Site permissions for location, webcam, microphone, etc., are managed under "Site permissions." Private browsing mode provides a temporary, cookie-free session. The article concludes by highlighting that cookie management is crucial for privacy, alongside managing individual website permissions.

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