The latest version of Firefox might be the answer for users who don't like being tracked when they click on a link.
The new privacy feature was spotted by Bleeping Computer. According to the report, certain tracking parameters can be disabled with the new update. These parameters are a piece of code added to the end of a URL address that will tell the original site that you clicked on, which companies add to the plethora of data they collect on each user for targeted ads.
If you click on a link in your Facebook feed, you will likely end up with a URL that is similar to this one.
https://www.trackmeprettyplease.org/example/
followed with a code line.
?fbclid=IwAT3B79DD1S…
The last part of the code is removed before the link can be clicked. It can be enabled by going into settings, selecting the browser's privacy and security settings, and clicking the "strict" option.
Gizmodo tested the tracking removal feature, and it did remove the specific parameters, but the list of codes that can be stripped still lacks certain trackers such as urchin tracking modules, which are used to monitor where a new person is coming from. Brave browser currently gets around most link parameters, but you may have to deal with other shady activity on part of the browser.
According to the site explaining the new security option, it is possible for some sites to no longer work properly if you enable "Strict" tracking protection. It doesn't work in private mode without manually configuring the browser
Other web tracking methods such as cross-site cookies and web fingerprints can be disabled by the browser.
Chrome, the most popular browser online, still doesn't know how far it tracks your internet habits. Gizmodo has a list of secure browsers for those looking for a more anonymous browsing experience.
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