Firefox Accuses Google Chrome of Erecting Barriers to Privacy Settings
In a recent fiery announcement, Mozilla Firefox went on the offensive to point fingers at several search engine giants claiming that they intentionally bury enhanced privacy settings. Firefox contends that most users lack the knowledge to understand or reach advanced security features in browsers.
To combat this practice, Firefox stated that new users who download their browser would have enhanced tracking protection turned on by default. The company believes this will not only enhance user privacy, but will help combat what they see as pervasive tracking and personal data collection by third parties.
New Firefox Users Experience Enhanced Tracking by Default
Firefox’s newest users may experience aggressive security settings turned on by default. There is no need to go fishing for, or spend hours researching, the optimal privacy settings in the browser by locating features such as:
- Turn off tracking cookies
- Third-party tracking of websites visited
- Targeted ads
- Collection of personal data by third-party users and more
These rigorous protective standards are now part of the default settings when new users download and install Firefox for the first time. Existing users can still turn on these settings, and learn more about privacy customization, by following the instructions laid out in Firefox’s content blocking support page.
Fear Mongering or Prudent Security Planning?
While Mozilla’s recent announcement on their blog takes an aggressive jab at Chrome, it is fair to ask if this is a marketing ploy or a genuine interest in user privacy. Today’s users appear obsessed, rightfully so, with keeping the content of their browsing sessions from the watchful eye of malicious entities, advertisers and others who would seek to profit from their personal data. This user fatigue associated with privacy invasion is also an important factor for SMBs hoping to leverage effective social media marketing to reach new clients.
Firefox’s announcement, regardless of intention, helps highlight the fact that users may not be as secure online as they believe. By pushing a browser that has all of the advanced security and privacy features turned on by default, Firefox hopes to attract Chrome users who may be frustrated with the lack of perceived browsing anonymity. It is also important to note that Firefox is not the only “privacy first” search engine gaining traction with users. Others, such as DuckDuckGo are surging in popularity due to their aggressive default security settings.