Chaff

Generate random web browsing traffic to obfuscate actual browsing behavior to avoid profiling through 3rd party observation.
What is Chaff?
"Chaff" is a Chrome extension designed to prevent data profiling by generating random web browsing traffic. It uses user-defined URLs, bookmarks, and search engine queries to simulate browsing behavior. Features include multiple search engine support, user-defined seed URLs, options to fine-tune browsing behavior, and an auto mode that activates when the computer is idle. It also prevents popup windows and mutes audio during its operation.

Extension stats

Users: 4,000+
Rating: 4.08 (12)
Version: 0.2.5 (Last updated: 2015-12-20)
Creation date: 2015-12-20
Risk impact: High risk impact
Risk likelihood: Low risk likelihood
Manifest version: 2
Permissions:
  • idle
  • tabs
  • bookmarks
  • http://*/*
  • https://*/*
Size: 139.26K

Other platforms

Not available on Firefox
Not available on Edge
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Extension summary

Autonomously browse the Internet in the Chrome Browser using user provided URLs, user Bookmarks, and Random Search Engine queries as a basis to generate random web browsing traffic in order to obfuscate actual web browsing interests from third party monitoring.

Features:

  • Multiple Search Engine Support
  • User definable seed URLs
  • Use bookmarks as seed URLs
  • Tunable options to match your browsing behavior
  • Auto Mode feature automatically starts Chaff when the computer becomes idle
  • Prevents popup windows and mutes audio while randomly browsing

Usage:

  1. Define your custom URL sources and other configuration options to match your intended web browsing behavior.
  2. Click the Chaff icon to the right of the URL box to turn Chaff on. A new pinned tab will be created on the far left of your other tabs where the random browsing will occur.
  3. Click the Chaff icon again to turn Chaff off.

User reviews

These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Chrome Web Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Does what it says on the box.
  • Cool stuff!!
  • What a marvelous idea!
Cons
  • Automatically downloads unknown files, some flagged as viruses by antivirus.
  • Hates automatic downloads from previously visited sites.
  • Lacks a blacklist feature for sites.
Most mentioned
  • Hates automatic downloads from previously visited sites.
  • Requests for a blacklist feature.
  • Desire for options to manage browsing history.
Recent reviews
Переодически качает неизвестные файлы, некоторые из них антивирус отображает как вирусы
by Dezzert, 2024-07-10

Does what it says on the box. I would like to be able to blacklist sites and auto-decline downloads, as it occasionally gets hung up downloading a PDF or whatever.
by David Seber, 2024-02-08

Крутое приложение
by Betty Vegorov, 2023-09-13
View all user reviews

Extension safety

Risk impact

Chaff requires some sensitive permissions that could impact your browser and data security. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk likelihood

Chaff has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

Upgrade to see risk analysis details

Promo images

Chaff small promo image
Small promo image

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