Privacy Badger
Privacy Badger automatically learns to block invisible trackers.
What is Privacy Badger?
Stats
Chrome-Stats Rank
Summary
Instead of keeping lists of what to block, Privacy Badger automatically discovers trackers based on their behavior. Privacy Badger sends the Global Privacy Control signal to opt you out of data sharing and selling, and the Do Not Track signal to tell companies not to track you. If trackers ignore your wishes, Privacy Badger will learn to block them.
Besides automatic tracker blocking, Privacy Badger replaces potentially useful trackers (video players, comments widgets, etc.) with click-to-activate placeholders, and removes outgoing link click tracking on Facebook and Google, with more privacy protections on the way. To learn more, see our FAQ at https://privacybadger.org/#faq
To get help or to report bugs, please email extension-devs@eff.org. If you have a GitHub account, you can use our GitHub issue tracker at https://github.com/EFForg/privacybadger/issues
*** Why does Privacy Badger need to read and change all my data on the websites I visit? ***
When you install Privacy Badger, your browser warns that Privacy Badger can “read and change all your data on the websites you visit”. You are right to be alarmed. You should only install extensions made by organizations you trust.
Privacy Badger requires these permissions to do its job of automatically detecting and blocking trackers on all websites you visit. We are not ironically (or unironically) spying on you. For more information, see our Privacy Badger extension permissions explainer: https://github.com/EFForg/privacybadger/blob/master/doc/permissions.md
Note that the extension permissions warnings only cover what the extension has access to, not what the extension actually does with what it has access to (such as whether the extension secretly uploads your browsing data to its servers). Privacy Badger will never share data about your browsing unless you choose to share it (by filing a broken site report). For more information, see EFF’s Privacy Policy for Software: https://www.eff.org/code/privacy/policy
User reviews
User reviews summary
Pros
- Blocks trackers effectively
- Easy to install and use with no need for configuration
- Complements other ad-blocking extensions such as uBlock
- Enhances browsing speed by preventing unnecessary ads and scripts from loading
- Supported by a reputable non-profit focused on privacy (EFF.org)
Cons
- Can cause issues with web page functionality, like breaking ChatGPT or checkout processes
- May require frequent manual permissions for elements like Twitter frames or Disqus
- Occasional long load times when opening the browser
- Potential security concerns about malicious versions or manifest file errors
- Annoying repeated pop-ups when installing the extension
Most mentioned
- Effectiveness in blocking trackers and ads
- Ease of use and minimal configuration
- Speed and efficiency of browsing experience
- Compatibility with other extensions (like uBlock)
- Issues with extension causing browser functionality problems
Recent reviews
Safety
Risk impact
Privacy Badger is risky to use as it requires a number of sensitive permissions that can potentially harm your browser and steal your data. Exercise caution when installing this extension. Review carefully before installing. We recommend that you only install Privacy Badger if you trust the publisher.
Risk likelihood
Privacy Badger has earned a good reputation and can be trusted.
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