Your Private Browsing Isn’t Really Private at All
When news came that Google was being sued for tracking users of Incognito Mode, it came as a surprise for many, but not all. As one of the biggest tech behemoths and with the #1 search engine used by the majority of the world, it is not a surprise that they are also collecting information in secrecy. These actions have impacted millions of users since 2016; although Google is planning to discontinue cookies, its reputation has been tarnished.
As a result, other browser companies have stepped up their game to provide the safety and privacy that consumers are after. However, what many do not realize, especially those not using VPN, is that the browser is not the only location where your browsing can be tracked. Say if one uses incognito mode to log into their Gmail, Amazon, Facebook, or other apps, their activity will once again be tied to their account, and tracking will resume as if they were on a regular mode of browsing. “Your internet service provider (ISP) can still see everything you are doing online, and they can pass this data along to anyone that asks for it. This also applies to your network administrator, which could be concerning on a work or school network.
Additionally, various spy agencies and anyone monitoring unencrypted traffic who can tap into the connection”, explains Heinrich Long of Techspot. This indicates that one may have their bases covered for their browser to not be tracked by Google Chrome, but other vulnerabilities are still present. To add salt to the injury, Long also reveals that browsing privately with a browser does not hide your unique IP address, which reveals your actual location. Your browsing history is therefore tied to the IP address of your device, and hence any steps to use a private browsing mode are rendered moot. Tamas Kadar of Security Boulevard explains browser fingerprinting, or also known as device fingerprinting; “…it is a set of data collection techniques that uniquely identifies users by their devices’ specific attributes. The combination of these attributes allows companies to identify unique users based on seemingly innocuous data such as their device settings or operating systems.”
As a result, if VPN is not an option, one must be careful in choosing the right browser for the ultimate privacy. That is where Puffin Incognito Browser comes in. No tracking, no ads, and leaves no traces. Everything you need, nothing you don’t. Visit https://www.puffin.com/incognito-browser/ to learn more.
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