Posted on 04/13/2021 12:49:45 PM PDT by Red Badger
In an attempt to better track users and predict their search habits, Google Chrome has developed FLoC (Federated Learning of Cohorts). FLoC provides visibility into user data to any website that desires this information.
In fact, FLoC places each user in an ID group to help websites recognize and target individuals. In response, the alternative search engine DuckDuckGo has come out with an extension for Chrome that can block FLoC tracking. Furthermore, users now have the option of using either the DuckDuckGo application or extension to entirely opt out of FLoC monitoring.
Google first implemented FLoC in order to offer all users advertisements based on their demographic and search trends, but without including third-party cookies. However, the company waited only a short time before deciding the tracking method would apply to all Google Chrome users regardless of whether the user chose to opt in or not. Understandably concerned about privacy, many users have expressed wanting to learn more about alternative search engine options.
Users can avoid the stealthy automatic inclusion in FLoC by either simply avoiding Google Chrome altogether, installing the DuckDuckGo Chrome extension or changing their settings in Google and/or Chrome.
Basically, FLoC is the search tracking response to the decision of many browser vendors to cease the use of third-party cookies due to concerns over user privacy. Luckily, at least at this time, no other browser vendor aside from Google Chrome has shown intent to use FLoC. Other search engine options might include Mozilla FireFox or Safari.
In terms of the new DuckDuckGo Chrome extension, this add-on automatically blocks FLoC activity on any website in order to enhance user privacy. Best of all, this extension can even auto-update, ensuring the user remains secure while browsing. Just to stay up to date, though, users should periodically check which version of the extension they currently have installed.
In the meantime, for users who choose to still use Chrome, they can help safeguard their privacy by disabling Ad Personalization in Google Ad Settings, disable Web & App Activity or Include Chrome history and activity from sites, apps and devices that use Google services; and remain logged out of your Google account in order to avoid syncing data history with Chrome if not using a sync passphrase.
That said, users who choose to install the DuckDuckGo extension just to be on the safe side will have the option of Global Privacy Control, Smarter Encryption, private search and tracker blocking.
Explore further
DuckDuckGo search engine increased its traffic by 62% in 2020 as users seek privacy More information: "Use DuckDuckGo Extension to Block FLoC, Google's New Tracking Method in Chrome." Spread Privacy, Spread Privacy, 9 Apr. 2021, spreadprivacy.com/block-floc-with-duckduckgo/ © 2021 Science X Network
Ping!..................
Does StartPage, formerly Ixquick, bypass this tracking? Asking because StartPage claims to have Google results which they get anonymously and feed to you.
Someone correct me if I’m wrong, I read on FR that DDG was giving information to google? After reading that I dumped DDG. Now I use Yippy.
I quit using StartPage in favor of DDG....................
Why? Not advocating, looking for your take on comparative advantages.
Chrome:
Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data > Block third-party cookies
Supposedly, DDG provides Google with only aggregate and anonymized user data.
And then there is TOR browser which works quite well and easy to install.
DDG seems to give me better results when I use searches for work items......................
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Advertising slogan: Don’t use Google because they will FLoC you.
I quit using DDG for QWANT.
now playing with Yippy
I use it on my tablet.....................
If you really want top block stuff, use separate systems...
We will have to in a few years...
I dumped Chrome and switched to the Brace Browser. It is based on the same Chromium engine except that it blocks all tracking and syncs bookmarks using anonymous encryption instead of sending your bookmarks to Google. It’s also faster because it isn’t sending crap to Google on every click.
Brave Browser
Google developed FLoC because are learning how to block cookies and Google analytics.
Sidenote: Did you know Free Republic is using Google Analytics, that tracking tool is recording every page you go to on Free Republic. Look in the source code for www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js
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