mirror of
https://github.com/privacyguides/privacyguides.org
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269 lines
16 KiB
Markdown
269 lines
16 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: "Web Browsers"
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icon: octicons/browser-16
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tags:
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- HTML5
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- JavaScript
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---
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These are our current web browser recommendations and settings. We recommend keeping extensions to a minimum: they have privileged access within your browser, require you to trust the developer, can make you [stand out](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Device_fingerprint#Browser_fingerprint), and [weaken](https://groups.google.com/a/chromium.org/g/chromium-extensions/c/0ei-UCHNm34/m/lDaXwQhzBAAJ) site isolation.
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## General Recommendations
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### Tor Browser
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!!! recommendation
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{ align=right }
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**Tor Browser** is the choice if you need anonymity. This browser provides you with access to the Tor Bridges and [Tor Network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tor_(network)), along with extensions that can be automatically configured to fit its three security levels - *Standard*, *Safer* and *Safest*. We recommend that you do not change any of Tor Browser's default configurations outside of the standard security levels.
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[Homepage](https://www.torproject.org){ .md-button .md-button--primary } [:pg-tor:](http://2gzyxa5ihm7nsggfxnu52rck2vv4rvmdlkiu3zzui5du4xyclen53wid.onion){ .md-button } [Privacy Policy](https://support.torproject.org/tbb/tbb-3/){ .md-button }
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??? downloads
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- [:fontawesome-brands-windows: Windows](https://www.torproject.org/download/)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-apple: macOS](https://www.torproject.org/download/)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-linux: Linux](https://www.torproject.org/download/)
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- [:pg-flathub: Flatpak](https://flathub.org/apps/details/com.github.micahflee.torbrowser-launcher)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-google-play: Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.torproject.torbrowser)
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- [:pg-f-droid: F-Droid](https://guardianproject.info/fdroid/)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-git: Source](https://trac.torproject.org/projects/tor)
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!!! warning
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You should **never** install any additional extensions on Tor Browser, including the ones we suggest for Firefox. Browser extensions make you stand out from other people on the Tor network, and make your browser easier to [fingerprint](https://support.torproject.org/glossary/browser-fingerprinting).
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## Desktop Browser Recommendations
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### Firefox
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!!! recommendation
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{ align=right }
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**Firefox** provides strong privacy settings such as [Enhanced Tracking Protection](https://support.mozilla.org/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop), which can help block various [types of tracking](https://support.mozilla.org/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop#w_what-enhanced-tracking-protection-blocks).
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[Homepage](https://firefox.com){ .md-button .md-button--primary } [Privacy Policy](https://www.mozilla.org/privacy/firefox){ .md-button }
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??? downloads
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- [:fontawesome-brands-windows: Windows](https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/windows)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-apple: macOS](https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/mac)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-linux: Linux](https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/linux)
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- [:pg-flathub: Flatpak](https://flathub.org/apps/details/org.mozilla.firefox)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-git: Source](https://hg.mozilla.org/mozilla-central)
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!!! warning
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Firefox includes a unique [download token](https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1677497#c0) in downloads from Mozilla's website and uses telemetry in Firefox to send the token. The token is **not** included in releases from the [Mozilla FTP](https://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/).
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#### Recommended Configuration
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These options can be found in :material-menu: → **Settings** → **Privacy & Security**.
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##### Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP)
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- Select **Strict**
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##### Sanitize on Close
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If you want to stay logged in to particular sites, you can allow exceptions in **Cookies and Site Data** → **Manage Exceptions...**
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- Select **Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed**
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##### Disable Search Suggestions
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- Clear **Suggestions from the web**
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- Clear **Suggestions from sponsors**
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- Clear **Improve the Firefox Suggest experience**
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Search suggestion features may not be available in your region.
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##### Disable Telemetry
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- Clear **Allow Firefox to send technical and interaction data to Mozilla**
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- Clear **Allow Firefox to install and run studies**
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- Clear **Allow Firefox to send backlogged crash reports on your behalf**
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##### HTTPS-Only Mode
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- Select **Enable HTTPS-Only Mode in all windows**
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#### Sync
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The [Firefox Sync](https://hacks.mozilla.org/2018/11/firefox-sync-privacy/) service uses E2EE.
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#### Extensions
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We generally do not recommend installing any extensions as they increase your attack surface; however, if you want content blocking, [uBlock Origin](#additional-resources) might be useful to you. The extension is also a :trophy: [Recommended Extension](https://support.mozilla.org/kb/add-on-badges#w_recommended-extensions) by Mozilla.
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#### Arkenfox (advanced)
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The [Arkenfox project](https://github.com/arkenfox/user.js) provides a set of carefully considered options for Firefox. These options are quite strict but a few are subjective and may cause some websites to not work properly. You can easily change these settings to suit your needs. We **strongly recommend** reading through their [wiki](https://github.com/arkenfox/user.js/wiki). Arkenfox also enables [container](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/containers#w_for-advanced-users) support.
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## Mobile Browser Recommendations
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Firefox on Android is still less secure than Chromium-based alternatives: Mozilla's engine [GeckoView](https://mozilla.github.io/geckoview/) has yet to support [site isolation](https://hacks.mozilla.org/2021/05/introducing-firefox-new-site-isolation-security-architecture) or enable [isolatedProcess](https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1565196).
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On iOS, any app that can browse the web is [restricted](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines) to using an Apple-provided [WebKit framework](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/webkit), so there is little reason to use a third-party web browser.
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### Bromite
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!!! recommendation
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{ align=right }
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**Bromite** is a Chromium-based browser with privacy and security enhancements, built-in ad blocking, and some fingerprinting randomization.
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[Homepage](https://www.bromite.org){ .md-button .md-button--primary } [Privacy Policy](https://www.bromite.org/privacy){ .md-button }
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??? downloads
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- [:fontawesome-brands-android: Android](https://www.bromite.org/fdroid)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-github: Source](https://github.com/bromite/bromite)
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These options can be found in :material-menu: → :gear: **Settings** → **Privacy and Security**.
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#### Recommended Configuration
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##### HTTPS-Only Mode
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- Select **Always use secure connections**
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##### Always-on Incognito Mode
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- Select **Open links in incognito tabs always**
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- Select **Close all open tabs on exit**
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- Select **Open external links in incognito**
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### Safari
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!!! recommendation
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{ align=right }
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**Safari** is the default browser in iOS. It includes [privacy features](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/browse-the-web-privately-iphb01fc3c85/15.0/ios/15.0) such as Intelligent Tracking Protection, Privacy Report, isolated Private Browsing tabs, iCloud Private Relay, and automatic HTTPS upgrades.
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[Website](https://www.apple.com/safari/){ .md-button .md-button--primary } [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/safari/){ .md-button }
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#### Recommended Configuration
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These options can be found in :gear: **Settings** → **Safari** → **Privacy and Security**.
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##### Cross-Site Tracking Prevention
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Enable WebKit's [Intelligent Tracking Protection](https://webkit.org/tracking-prevention/#intelligent-tracking-prevention-itp).
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- Select **Prevent Cross-Site Tracking** to enable
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##### Privacy Report
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Privacy Report provides a snapshot of cross-site trackers currently prevented from profiling you on the website you're visiting. It can also display a weekly report to show which trackers have been blocked over time.
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Privacy Report is accessible through the "**Aa**" icon in the URL bar.
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##### Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement
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This is WebKit's own [implementation](https://webkit.org/blog/8943/privacy-preserving-ad-click-attribution-for-the-web/) of privacy preserving ad click attribution. If you do not wish to participate, you can disable this feature.
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- Select **Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement**
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##### Apple Pay
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If you do not use Apple Pay, you can toggle off the ability for websites to check for it.
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- Select **Check for Apple Pay**
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##### Always-on Private Browsing
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Open Safari and press the tabs icon in the bottom right corner. Open Tab Groups, located in the bottom middle.
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- Select **Private**
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##### iCloud Sync
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While synchronization of Safari History, Tab Groups, and iCloud Tabs uses E2EE, bookmarks sync does [not](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202303); they are only encrypted in transit and stored in an encrypted format on Apple's servers. Apple may be able to decrypt and access them.
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If you use iCloud, we also recommend checking to ensure Safari's default download location is set to locally on your device. This option can be found in :gear: **Settings** → **Safari** → **General** → **Downloads**.
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#### Extensions
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We generally do not recommend installing [any extensions](https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/inside-safari-extensions-malware-golden-key-user-data/) as they increase your browser's attack surface; however, if you want content blocking, [AdGuard for Safari](#additional-resources) might be useful to you.
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## Additional Resources
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### uBlock Origin
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!!! recommendation
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{ align=right }
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**uBlock Origin** is a popular content blocker that could help you block ads, trackers, and fingerprinting scripts.
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We suggest enabling all of the [filter lists](https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/wiki/Dashboard:-Filter-lists) under the "Ads," "Privacy," and "Malware domains". The "Annoyances" and "Multipurpose" lists can also be enabled, but they may break some social media functions. The *AdGuard URL Tracking Protection* filter list makes extensions like CleanURLs and NeatURLs redundant.
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[Extension Info](https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock#readme){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
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??? downloads
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- [:fontawesome-brands-firefox: Firefox](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/ublock-origin)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-chrome: Chrome](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-edge: Edge](https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin/odfafepnkmbhccpbejgmiehpchacaeak)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-opera: Opera](https://addons.opera.com/extensions/details/ublock)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-github: Source](https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock)
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We also suggest adding the [Actually Legitimate URL Shortener Tool](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/DandelionSprout/adfilt/master/LegitimateURLShortener.txt) list and any of the regional lists that might apply to your browsing habits. To add this list, first access settings by clicking on the uBO icon, then the settings icon ( :gear: ). Go to the bottom of the Filter lists pane and place a checkmark next to Import under the Custom section. Paste the URL of the filter list above into the text area that appears below and click "Apply changes".
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Additional filter lists do slow things down and may increase your attack surface, so only apply what you need.
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uBlock Origin also has different [blocking modes](https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/wiki/Blocking-mode). The easy mode [might not](https://www.ranum.com/security/computer_security/editorials/dumb/) necessarily keep you safe from every tracker out there, whereas the more advanced modes let you control exactly what needs to run.
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### AdGuard for Safari
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!!! recommendation
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{ align=right }
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**AdGuard for Safari** is a free and open-source content-blocking extension for Safari that uses the native [Content Blocker API](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/safariservices/creating_a_content_blocker).
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We suggest enabling the filters labled *#recommended* under the "Ad Blocking" and "Privacy" [content blockers](https://kb.adguard.com/en/safari/overview#content-blockers). The *#recommended* filters can also be enabled for the "Social Widgets" and "Annoyances" content blockers, but they may break some social media functions.
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[Website](https://adguard.com/en/adguard-safari/overview.html){ .md-button .md-button--primary } [Privacy Policy](https://adguard.com/en/privacy/safari.html){ .md-button }
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??? downloads
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- [:fontawesome-brands-safari: Safari](https://apps.apple.com/app/adguard-for-safari/id1440147259)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-app-store-ios: App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1047223162)
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- [:fontawesome-brands-git: Source](https://github.com/AdguardTeam/AdGuardForSafari)
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Additional filter lists do slow things down and may increase your attack surface, so only apply what you need.
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There is also [AdGuard for iOS](https://adguard.com/en/adguard-ios/overview.html) which is able to perform system-wide content blocking by means of DNS filtering.
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### Snowflake
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!!! recommendation
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{ align=right }
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{ align=right }
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**Snowflake** is a browser extension which allows you to donate bandwidth to the Tor Project by operating a "Snowflake proxy" within your browser. People who are censored can use Snowflake proxies to connect to the Tor network. Installing this extension is a great way to contribute to the network even if you don't have the technical know-how to run a Tor relay or bridge.
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[Website](https://snowflake.torproject.org/){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
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The Snowflake browser extension does not increase your privacy in any way, nor is it used to connect to the Tor network within your personal browser. However, if your internet connection is uncensored, you should consider running it to help people in censored networks achieve better privacy themselves. There is no need to worry about which websites people are accessing through your proxy. Their visible browsing IP address will match their Tor exit node, not yours.
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Running a Snowflake proxy is low-risk, even moreso than running a Tor relay or bridge which are already not particularly risky endeavours. However, it does still proxy traffic through your network which can be impactful in some ways, especially if your network is bandwidth-limited. Make sure you understand [how Snowflake works](https://gitlab.torproject.org/tpo/anti-censorship/pluggable-transports/snowflake/-/wikis/home) before deciding whether to run a proxy.
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### Terms of Service; Didn't Read
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!!! recommendation
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{ align=right }
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**Terms of Service; Didn't Read** grades websites based on their terms of service agreements and privacy policies. It also gives short summaries of those agreements. The analyses and ratings are published transparently by a community of reviewers.
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[Website](https://tosdr.org){ .md-button .md-button--primary } [Privacy Policy](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/terms-of-service-didnt-read/privacy){ .md-button }
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We do not recommend installing ToS;DR as a browser extension. The same information is provided on their website.
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--8<-- "includes/abbreviations.en.md"
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