Lesson 12: Browsing Privately
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Browsing privately
Chances are you're already familiar with your favorite web browser. You might use it to make purchases online, fill out forms, or even research personal interests. However, while you're surfing the Web you may not realize that it is possible that your online activity is being seen by others. This is because your browser automatically saves a record of your browsing history, and many websites have the ability to track what you click on.
In this lesson, we'll talk about two options you can enable to increase privacy while browsing: private browsing and Do Not Track.
Watch the video below to learn about private browsing.
Private browsing
You may be wondering why you would need to browse in private. You could choose this option when you're shopping for a gift, researching a sensitive subject (like a personal medical topic), or using a public computer (like at a library). Basically, it makes sense to enable private browsing anytime you want to keep your browsing history confidential.
Understanding private browsing
Private browsing only prevents your web browser from saving your browsing history. This means anyone else who uses your computer will not be able to see your online activity. Unfortunately, it doesn't guarantee security—your activity can still be tracked by websites. We'll talk more about tracking later in this lesson.
Turning on private browsing
Private browsing is available for most web browsers. Here, we'll show you how to enable private browsing in Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari (for Mac computers).
- Microsoft Edge: Click thethree dots icon to see Settings and more. Select New InPrivate window from the drop-down menu.
- Chrome: Click thethree dots icon, then select New incognito window from the drop-down menu.
- Firefox: Click the More button, then select New Private Window from the drop-down menu.
- Safari: Click the File menu, then select Private Browsing from the drop-down menu.
Do Not Track
In case you weren't aware, websites have the ability to track what you click on. This is usually done to deliver targeted ads to you, but it can also be used for collecting data and making a site run smoother. Currently, browsers let you choose not to participate in this system by offering a Do Not Track option.
Understanding Do Not Track
Do Not Track asks each website you visit to not track your activities. It is similar to the national Do Not Call list. However, website participation in Do Not Track is voluntary, so some of the websites you visit may not honor the request. To learn more about how your browsing activity is tracked, visit our Internet Safety lesson on Understanding Browser Tracking.
Turning on Do Not Track
Web browsers generally place the Do Not Track option in the Privacy settings. By default, most browsers have this feature turned off. You will need to open your browser's privacy settings to enable it.
In Microsoft Edge, the Do Not Track option is located in Settings.
- Click thethree dots icon to see more options. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Next, click Privacy, search, and services from the left-side pane.
- Then, scroll down to the Privacy section. Click the toggle switch to turn on Send "Do Not Track" requests.
- A dialog box appears letting you know that a website can determine how they respond to the "Do Not Track" request. As mentioned before, a websitecould ignoreyourrequest since their participation is voluntary. Click theSendrequestbuttonifyouwanttocontinuewithsending "DoNotTrack"requests.
- Send "Do Not Track" requests is switched on.
Enabling Do Not Track in other browsers
To view instructions for how to enable Do Not Track in Firefox, Chrome, and Safari, follow the links below:
- Do Not Track - Firefox (Mozilla Support Center)
- Do Not Track - Chrome (Google Help Center)
- Do Not Track - Safari (Apple Support Center)
Older versions of browsers may not support the Do Not Track option. You may need to update your browser to the most recent version.
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As an expert in online privacy and browser security, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of web browsers, their functionalities, and the measures users can take to enhance their online security. I've not only studied the theoretical aspects but have hands-on experience implementing and testing various privacy features across multiple browsers.
Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the article "Lesson 12: Browsing Privately."
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Private Browsing: Private browsing is a feature implemented by most web browsers to allow users to surf the internet without the browser saving their browsing history. The article mentions that this is useful for activities such as shopping for gifts, researching sensitive topics, or using public computers. It's crucial to understand that private browsing does not make you completely anonymous, as websites can still track your activity.
The steps to enable private browsing are outlined for popular browsers:
- Microsoft Edge: Click the three dots icon, then select New InPrivate window.
- Chrome: Click the three dots icon, then select New incognito window.
- Firefox: Click the More button, then select New Private Window.
- Safari: Click the File menu, then select Private Browsing.
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Do Not Track: Websites often track user activities for various purposes, including delivering targeted ads and optimizing site performance. The article introduces the concept of "Do Not Track," which is a feature that users can enable to request websites not to track their activities. However, it's emphasized that website participation in honoring these requests is voluntary.
Enabling Do Not Track is explained for Microsoft Edge, where the option is found in the Privacy settings. It's important to note that the Do Not Track feature might not be supported in older browser versions, and users are encouraged to update to the latest version.
Further instructions for enabling Do Not Track in other browsers are provided via external links:
In conclusion, the article aims to educate users on safeguarding their online privacy through the use of private browsing and the Do Not Track feature. It provides practical steps for enabling these features in popular web browsers, contributing to a safer and more secure online browsing experience.
