A new browser extension has been released by former Google developer Brian Kennish called Disconnect. It’s designed to help you take control of the tracking cookies used by Digg, Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Yahoo, which keep tabs on the websites you visit and the searches you carry out.
If you use either the Rockmelt or Chrome browser, after a simple install process, you then have access to a menu bar ‘d’ icon that allows you to view just how many tracking requests you have blocked from these major websites.
Features and Benefits of Disconnect
The Disconnect browser plugin also allows you to turn tracking blocking on and off whenever you need and even allows you to anonymously carry out searches on Google when you are logged into iGoogle. This feature is particularly useful for those who are concerned about their search history being tracked and used for targeted advertising. By anonymizing your searches, Disconnect ensures that your search queries are not tied to your personal identity, providing an added layer of privacy.
Moreover, Disconnect is an open-source software, which means that its code is publicly available for anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance. This transparency is crucial for users who want to ensure that the software they are using is secure and trustworthy. Open-source projects often benefit from community contributions, leading to more robust and secure software.
How Disconnect Enhances Online Privacy
In addition to blocking tracking cookies, Disconnect also helps in speeding up your browsing experience. By preventing these trackers from loading, web pages can load faster, providing a smoother and more efficient browsing experience. This can be particularly beneficial for users with slower internet connections or those who frequently visit websites that are heavy on tracking scripts.
Another significant advantage of using Disconnect is the reduction in targeted ads. Many users find targeted ads intrusive and annoying. By blocking trackers, Disconnect helps in reducing the number of personalized ads you see, making your online experience less cluttered and more enjoyable.
Furthermore, Disconnect provides detailed insights into the tracking activities of various websites. Users can see which websites are attempting to track them and how many tracking requests have been blocked. This transparency empowers users to make informed decisions about their online privacy and take control of their digital footprint.
For those who are particularly privacy-conscious, Disconnect offers additional features such as the ability to block social media widgets that track your activity across different websites. These widgets, often found in the form of “Like” or “Share” buttons, can track your browsing habits even if you do not interact with them. By blocking these widgets, Disconnect further enhances your online privacy.
Disconnect is an open-source software and is available to download here. The open-source nature of Disconnect means that it is constantly being improved and updated by a community of developers dedicated to enhancing online privacy. Users can rest assured that they are using a tool that is both effective and transparent.
In conclusion, Disconnect is a powerful tool for anyone looking to take control of their online privacy. With its ability to block tracking cookies, anonymize searches, and provide detailed insights into tracking activities, Disconnect offers a comprehensive solution for enhancing online privacy. Its open-source nature ensures that it remains a trustworthy and reliable tool, continually benefiting from community contributions and improvements.
Via Engadget
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