TL;DR
You can learn how you are tracked online by using browser extensions, privacy-focused search engines, website analysis tools, and regularly checking your privacy settings. This guide shows you practical steps to understand and manage your digital footprint.
1. Understand the Basics of Online Tracking
Before diving into tools, it’s important to know how you’re tracked. Common methods include:
- Cookies: Small files websites store on your computer to remember information about you.
- Browser Fingerprinting: Websites collect details about your browser and system (plugins, fonts, operating system) to create a unique ‘fingerprint’.
- Tracking Pixels: Tiny images embedded in emails or websites that report back when you open them.
- Third-Party Trackers: Companies like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel placed on many different websites.
2. Browser Extensions for Tracking Protection
Browser extensions are a simple way to block trackers and see what’s happening.
- Privacy Badger (EFF): Automatically learns to block invisible trackers. Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera: https://privacybadger.org/
- uBlock Origin: An efficient ad blocker that also blocks many trackers. Available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and others: https://ublockorigin.com/
- Ghostery: Detects and blocks trackers, offering control over which ones are allowed. Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera: https://www.ghostery.com/
Install one or more of these extensions to get a baseline level of protection.
3. Privacy-Focused Search Engines
Standard search engines like Google track your searches. Use alternatives that respect your privacy:
- DuckDuckGo: Doesn’t track your searches or personalize results based on your history: https://duckduckgo.com/
- Startpage: Uses Google search results but removes all tracking information: https://www.startpage.com/
Switching your default search engine is a quick win.
4. Website Analysis Tools
These tools show you what trackers are present on specific websites:
- BuiltWith: Reveals the technologies used on a website, including tracking scripts: https://builtwith.com/
- Blacklight (EFF): Identifies trackers and privacy-invading elements on websites: https://blacklight.eff.org/
Simply enter a website URL into these tools to see what’s tracking you.
5. Check Your Browser Privacy Settings
Each browser has privacy settings that control cookies, location access, and other features:
- Chrome:
Settings > Privacy and security - Firefox:
Settings > Privacy & Security(Enhance Tracking Protection) - Safari:
Preferences > Privacy(Prevent cross-site tracking)
Review these settings and adjust them to your comfort level. Consider blocking third-party cookies.
6. Review Your Social Media Privacy Settings
Social media platforms track a lot of data. Regularly review and adjust your privacy settings on each platform (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, etc.). Pay attention to:
- Data Collection: Limit the amount of personal information shared.
- Ad Tracking: Opt-out of personalized advertising where possible.
7. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, making it harder to track your location.
- ProtonVPN: A reputable VPN provider with a focus on privacy: https://protonvpn.com/
Be aware that while a VPN hides your IP address, it doesn’t block all tracking methods.
8. Regularly Clear Your Browser Data
Clearing cookies and cache removes some tracking information:
- Chrome:
Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data - Firefox:
Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data...
You can automate this process in your browser settings.
9. Check Your Email Privacy
Email providers often scan your emails for advertising purposes. Consider using privacy-focused email services:
- ProtonMail: End-to-end encrypted email service: https://protonmail.com/