Most people don’t spend their time thinking about web browsers, the program on your phone or computer that provides Internet access. Whatever came installed on your device is often what you end up using. However, given the growing concern over personal data and privacy, perhaps it’s time to look a little closer at what’s under the hood of your browser.
Three main browser families
Geeks may disagree with this, but to the majority of the world there are three main families of browsers: Chromium, Firefox, and Safari. Yes there are other browsers, including some text-only browsers. Unless you have very specific requirements, a browser from one of the big three will suffice.
Chromium – the 800-pound gorilla
Chromium is an open-source software developed by Google, meaning that anyone can copy, edit, and use the code for their own purposes. Google uses it to make their uber-popular Chrome browser (estimated to be used by more than 60% of Internet visitors). However, developers have taken Chromium and designed different browsers, some that are very similar to Chrome and others more distinct and varied. A few you may have heard of include Microsoft Edge, Opera, Brave, and Vivaldi.
Firefox – a solid second
Firefox (or Mozilla Firefox) is similar to Chromium, in that it’s a free and open-source code for developing web browsers. Firefox is one version, but others have used the code to develop offshoots. Some you may be familiar with are Waterfox, IceCat, and Comodo IceDragon. One I’m sure you’ve heard of is the Tor Browser, a security and privacy conscious browser based on Firefox.
Safari – for those Mac users
If you own an Apple product you probably have Safari installed as the default browser. This is not an open-source code, so other browsers have not been developed based on Safari.
Note – these rankings differ based on whether you’re counting all devices or only laptops and desktops (as I am). Some estimates have Safari a solid second behind Chrome in all browsers, but they come in third when looking only at computer browsers.
Browser Wars
When you start reading more about browsers, you might be surprised by how much some people care. I mean, I want privacy and security but I don’t really care how I get it. Some people swear off Google and everything related to them. So even if there’s a browser that would work perfectly they won’t use anything based on Chromium.
The 2020 release of Microsoft’s Edge browser has others apoplectic. Essentially Microsoft went from developing their own browser from scratch to using Chromium for the latest version of Edge.
And don’t think Firefox is getting off free and clear either. There are bloggers out there who hate that Firefox is run by a big corporation.
In short, you’ll never get people to agree that one browser is head and shoulders above the others. There’s a lot of agreement that you shouldn’t use Chrome if you want to have any chance at privacy. But other than that – it really becomes what works for you.
Browser Options
While some people are anti-Chromium, there are Chromium browsers that take steps to distance themselves from Google. Found on most top lists are Brave, Epic, Iridium, and Ungoogled Chromium. These provide the familiarity of a Chrome browser but more security from Google’s prying.
For Firefox, the list is shorter. Many privacy bloggers swear by Firefox itself as their go-to browser. Others to consider are Waterfox and Tor. If you’re interested in an older version of Firefox consider Pale Moon, which has a cult-like following (along with those who think you should never even consider it because it’s based on outdated code).
Don’t just use out of the box
Each browser will have different levels of permissions when you download them. Some will work with the majority of your favorite websites. Others may not. You should try several to see which works best for you.
But first, do a little research on how to tweak the browser to ensure it’s as private as you want. There are three levels of settings you can change on the majority of browsers.
Settings within the browser
Most browsers have settings where you can change the look and feel of the tabs and windows, select the search engine, designate where you want downloads saved on your computer, or tighten security. You should consider researching the browser you’ve chosen with the term “make private” or “first steps” to see what others have done to protect their privacy.
At the very least, change your search engine from Google/Bing/Yahoo to something else. DuckDuckGo is well respected, as is StartPage – and StartPage has the advantage of looking very much like Google so it may feel more intuitive. Other settings you might want to change include deleting history and cookies when you exit, blocking your location, and not auto-filling passwords, payment methods, and addresses.
To access these settings, simply click on the three dots (or lines) on the top right of your browser window.
Add-ons and Extensions
The majority of browsers tie into the extension sites for Chromium and Firefox (Ungoogled Chromium is an exception, although there’s a work around). Extensions are essentially programs that can be added to provide customization and additional features that your browser is missing. The gamut of what an extension can do is huge, but for our purposes there are several highly-respected privacy extensions. These include HTTPS Everywhere, AdBlock, uBlock Origin, and Privacy Badger.
To get to the extensions, click on the three lines, then open “Add-ons” in Firefox. In a Chromium browser, click on the three dots and open “More Tools” then “Extensions.” You can search for the extensions and add them to your browser.
Configuration Changes
Changing the configuration of your browser may be a step more than you’re willing to take. You are essentially working within the code of the browser itself to alter its behavior. If you’re careful, there’s no harm in making changes. However, some changes may be accomplished by using extensions. I have researched Firefox settings and have made changes to the configuration of my Firefox browser. Research your browser to see if there are recommended configuration settings that you feel comfortable changing.
My recommendation
As I noted in a previous article, I’m a big believer in browser compartmentalization. As such, I use different browsers for different purposes. And I’m a geek too so I sometimes just download one to see what all the fuss is about. Currently I’m using one from the Firefox family and one from Chromium, with my junk browser being one I download on a whim. Each has been tweaked for maximum privacy. But notice I say “currently.” As privacy becomes more important, new and better browsers will be released. Don’t make it a full-time job, but make sure you’re staying up-to-date to keep your information private.
Oh, and if you think I’m a privacy nut, there are websites devoted to helping you opt out of global surveillance. One of the best provides in-depth information and alternatives to programs you’re probably using now. I don’t go to this extent, but I appreciate people who provide this content.
Photo by Lisa Fotios