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Code Issues Releases Wiki Activity

Updated Ghostery (markdown)

yokoffing
2021-02-10 22:44:20 -05:00
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Ghostery.md
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[![Ghostery](https://www.ghostery.com/wp-content/themes/ghostery/images/ghostery_logo_black.svg)](https://www.ghostery.com) [![Ghostery](https://www.ghostery.com/wp-content/themes/ghostery/images/ghostery_logo_black.svg)](https://www.ghostery.com)
--- ---
Last updated: 28 January 2021 | [download](https://github.com/ghostery/ghostery-extension#downloads) Last updated: 10 February 2021 | [download](https://github.com/ghostery/ghostery-extension#downloads)
Ghostery helps you browse smarter by giving you control over ads and tracking technologies to speed up page loads, eliminate clutter, and protect your data. Ghostery helps you browse smarter by giving you control over ads and tracking technologies to speed up page loads, eliminate clutter, and protect your data.
@@ -14,25 +14,24 @@ Ghostery helps you browse smarter by giving you control over ads and tracking te
* Enables language-specific filters [automatically](https://github.com/ghostery/ghostery-extension/issues/22#issuecomment-526841301) based on your browsing habits (without any data leaving your browser). * Enables language-specific filters [automatically](https://github.com/ghostery/ghostery-extension/issues/22#issuecomment-526841301) based on your browsing habits (without any data leaving your browser).
* Plus, [your data usage is reduced by more than 100x](https://cliqz.com/en/magazine/cliqz-developers-revolutionize-ad-blocker-architecture). Instead of always downloading the complete filter lists after an update, only the entries that have actually changed are updated. * Plus, [your data usage is reduced by more than 100x](https://cliqz.com/en/magazine/cliqz-developers-revolutionize-ad-blocker-architecture). Instead of always downloading the complete filter lists after an update, only the entries that have actually changed are updated.
[Import](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#my-recommended-build) the Betterfox recommended setup for Ghostery! You can download and [import](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#my-recommended-build) the Betterfox recommended setup for Ghostery!
## FAQ ## FAQ
### Extension Comparisons ### Extension Comparisons
* [1.1 Why would I use Ghostery over uBlock Origin?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#why-would-i-use-ghostery-over-ublock-origin) * [1.1 Why use Ghostery over uBlock Origin?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#why-use-ghostery-over-ublock-origin)
* [1.2 But Ghostery does not have much customization.](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#ghostery-does-not-have-much-customization-or-fine-grained-controls-dynamic-filtering-medium-mode-element-picker-etc) * [1.2 But Ghostery does not have much customization.](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#ghostery-does-not-have-much-customization-or-fine-grained-controls-dynamic-filtering-medium-mode-element-picker-etc)
* [1.3 Limitations of conventional blockers.](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#limitations-of-conventional-content-blockers) * [1.3 Limitations of conventional blockers.](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#limitations-of-conventional-content-blockers)
* [1.4 Do I still need Privacy Badger?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#do-i-still-need-privacy-badger) * [1.4 Do I still need Privacy Badger?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#do-i-still-need-privacy-badger)
### Privacy and Data Anonymization ### Privacy and Data Anonymization
* [2.1 Does Ghostery collect and sell my data?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#does-ghostery-collect-and-sell-my-data) * [2.1 Does Ghostery collect and sell my data?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#does-ghostery-collect-and-sell-my-data)
* [2.2 I've heard that Ghostery couldn't be trusted.](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#but-ive-heard-that-ghostery-couldnt-be-trusted) * [2.2 What is the Human Web?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#what-is-the-human-web)
* [2.3 What is the Human Web?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#what-is-the-human-web) * [2.3 Is my data truly anonymous?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#is-my-data-truly-anonymous)
* [2.4 Is my data truly anonymous?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#is-my-data-truly-anonymous) * [2.4 Is the Human Web opt-in or opt-out?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#is-the-human-web-opt-in-or-opt-out)
* [2.5 Is the Human Web opt-in or opt-out?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#is-the-human-web-opt-in-or-opt-out) * [2.5 I'm not comfortable with anonymous data being collected.](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#im-not-really-comfortable-with-the-supposedly-anonymous-data-being-collected-from-user)
* [2.6 I'm not comfortable with anonymous data being collected.](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#im-not-really-comfortable-with-the-supposedly-anonymous-data-being-collected-from-user)
### Rewards Program ### ~~Rewards Program~~ (removed as of [8.5.4](https://github.com/ghostery/ghostery-extension/releases/tag/v8.5.4))
* [3.1 What is Ghostery Rewards?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#what-is-ghostery-rewards) * [3.1 What is Ghostery Rewards?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#what-is-ghostery-rewards)
* [3.2 How does it work?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#how-does-it-work) * [3.2 How does it work?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#how-does-it-work)
* [3.3 How is my data kept private in this process?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#how-is-my-data-kept-private-in-this-process) * [3.3 How is my data kept private in this process?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#how-is-my-data-kept-private-in-this-process)
@@ -43,13 +42,12 @@ Ghostery helps you browse smarter by giving you control over ads and tracking te
### Partners and Owners ### Partners and Owners
* [4.1 Who is Cliqz?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#who-is-cliqz) * [4.1 Who is Cliqz?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#who-is-cliqz)
* [4.2 Cliqz experiment with Mozilla](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#cliqz-experiment-with-mozilla) * [4.2 Cliqz experiment with Mozilla](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#cliqz-experiment-with-mozilla)
* [4.3 I heard Cliqz has shut down. Does that mean Ghostery has too?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#i-heard-cliqz-has-shut-down-does-that-mean-ghostery-has-too) * [4.3 Who is Hubert Burda Media?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#hubert-burda-media-has-a-majority-share-in-the-company-and-old-german-media-companies-have-a-history-of-getting-internet-related-things-wrong---should-we-not-be-worried-about-their-influence-on-the-company)
* [4.4 Who is Hubert Burda Media?](https://github.com/yokoffing/Better-Fox/wiki/Ghostery#hubert-burda-media-has-a-majority-share-in-the-company-and-old-german-media-companies-have-a-history-of-getting-internet-related-things-wrong---should-we-not-be-worried-about-their-influence-on-the-company)
*** ***
## Extension Comparisons ## Extension Comparisons
### Why would I use Ghostery over uBlock Origin? ### Why use Ghostery over uBlock Origin?
[uBlock Origin](http://https://ublockorigin.com) is an amazing extension, no question. There are still differences with Ghostery, though, which would make people use one or the other. [uBlock Origin](http://https://ublockorigin.com) is an amazing extension, no question. There are still differences with Ghostery, though, which would make people use one or the other.
Ghostery extension contains multiple features aiming at preventing tracking, blocking ads, etc. There are three main mechanisms for this, layered and complementary: Ghostery extension contains multiple features aiming at preventing tracking, blocking ads, etc. There are three main mechanisms for this, layered and complementary:
@@ -110,10 +108,9 @@ Last but not least, yes the data you mention is useful for building features tha
## Privacy ## Privacy
### Does Ghostery collect and sell my data? ### Does Ghostery collect and sell my data?
Ghostery neither collects nor sells data about users or trackers. In fact, we even open the insights we have about the tracking landscape via https://whotracks.me/, so that everyone can benefit from it. [^3] There are well-meaning people who claim that Ghostery cannot be trusted. They are usually referring to the pre-2017 era where Ghostery belonged to a company named [Evidon](https://www.ghostery.com/faqs/who-is-evidon/) (which had a business model of collecting and selling data to other companies). It was then acquired by Cliqz (which builds a private and independent search engine as well as privacy-focused browsers). Since then the business model has been dropped, code has been [open-sourced](https://github.com/ghostery/ghostery-extension/) and Ghostery is now exploring ways to monetize through [paid products](https://www.ghostery.com/insights/). [^2]
### But I've heard that Ghostery couldn't be trusted... Ghostery neither collects nor sells data about users or trackers. In fact, the company shares the insights they have about the current state of trackers via https://whotracks.me/ so that everyone can benefit from it. [^3]
You might be referring to the pre-2017 era where Ghostery belonged to a company named [Evidon](https://www.ghostery.com/faqs/who-is-evidon/) (which had a business model of collecting and selling data to other companies). It was then acquired by Cliqz (which builds a private and independent search engine as well as privacy-focused browsers). Since then the business model has been dropped, code has been [open-sourced](https://github.com/ghostery/ghostery-extension/) and Ghostery is now exploring ways to monetize through [paid products](https://www.ghostery.com/insights/), as well as client-side offers targeting called [rewards](https://www.ghostery.com/faqs/what-is-ghostery-rewards/). [^2]
### What is the Human Web? ### What is the Human Web?
The [Human Web](https://0x65.dev/blog/2019-12-03/human-web-collecting-data-in-a-socially-responsible-manner.html) is an open-source technology built by our parent company, Cliqz, that uses the power of anonymous group data create innovative browser technologies to make the internet more private. Users that participate in the Human Web contribute anonymous information related to trackers, websites, and search queries that are then analyzed and evaluated for relevance and safety. This data is used to create anonymous group models that power the private quick-search, anti-tracking, anti-phishing technologies featured in Cliqz products and which will soon be featured in Ghostery. The [Human Web](https://0x65.dev/blog/2019-12-03/human-web-collecting-data-in-a-socially-responsible-manner.html) is an open-source technology built by our parent company, Cliqz, that uses the power of anonymous group data create innovative browser technologies to make the internet more private. Users that participate in the Human Web contribute anonymous information related to trackers, websites, and search queries that are then analyzed and evaluated for relevance and safety. This data is used to create anonymous group models that power the private quick-search, anti-tracking, anti-phishing technologies featured in Cliqz products and which will soon be featured in Ghostery.
@@ -206,45 +203,42 @@ Regarding the experiment, I think it would be more correct to say "Mozilla's exp
We [wrote more about this](https://0x65.dev/blog/2019-12-11/the-pivot-that-excited-mozilla-and-google.html) on our tech blog recently if you are interested. [^12] We [wrote more about this](https://0x65.dev/blog/2019-12-11/the-pivot-that-excited-mozilla-and-google.html) on our tech blog recently if you are interested. [^12]
### I heard Cliqz has shut down. Does that mean Ghostery has too? ### Hubert Burda Media has a majority share in the company and old German media companies have a history of getting internet related things wrong. Should we not be worried about their influence on the company?
The Ghostery extension is alive and well.
### Hubert Burda Media has a majority share in the company and old German media companies have a history of getting internet related things wrong - should we not be worried about their influence on the company?
First of all, I think it is healthy to be skeptical about any company or community developing a privacy-centric product, in general. I too often see people in "privacy communities" who blindly accept advice about which extension to use/not use, etc. without spending a bit of time to check the facts. It requires time, but scrutiny is pretty important. First of all, I think it is healthy to be skeptical about any company or community developing a privacy-centric product, in general. I too often see people in "privacy communities" who blindly accept advice about which extension to use/not use, etc. without spending a bit of time to check the facts. It requires time, but scrutiny is pretty important.
That being said, Cliqz has a majority share holder: Hubert Burda Media. To start build a truly independent search engine (own search index with no reliance on another's search engine API; like Bing) with privacy built-in, requires initial funding. Cliqz has been working on it for years, as well as on privacy-preserving technologies (e.g. Anti-tracking) and browsers. I do not personally see Burda starting to ask us to do things which would put our users at risk, or go against our values: I would expect most people working at Cliqz to oppose strong resistance to that. That being said, Cliqz has a majority share holder: Hubert Burda Media. To start build a truly independent search engine (own search index with no reliance on another's search engine API; like Bing) with privacy built-in, requires initial funding. Cliqz has been working on it for years, as well as on privacy-preserving technologies (e.g. Anti-tracking) and browsers. I do not personally see Burda starting to ask us to do things which would put our users at risk, or go against our values: I would expect most people working at Cliqz to oppose strong resistance to that.
But, even if something like that would happen, we built our technologies from the ground up to be harmless to our users, even if we turned evil. As an example, if you look at the way Human Web and HPN were built (from the blog articles I shared in my previous answer), any data collected is basically useless for any other use case than the one it was initially intended for; this also means that we cannot track back who sent which data . This non-reusability is primordial, as it means that we know just enough to do what we want to do (e.g. improve our search index or run our anti-tracking technology); but it would be impossible to repurpose the same data for anything else. This also implies that we have no way to know which user sent which data, thanks to the very strict checks implemented client-side to prevent record linkage (see Human Web) and our network anonymization layer (see HPN). [^14] But, even if something like that would happen, we built our technologies from the ground up to be harmless to our users, even if we turned evil. As an example, if you look at the way Human Web and HPN were built, any data collected is basically useless for any other use case than the one it was initially intended for; this also means that we cannot track back who sent which data. This non-reusability is primordial, as it means that we know just enough to do what we want to do (e.g. improve our search index or run our anti-tracking technology); but it would be impossible to repurpose the same data for anything else. This also implies that we have no way to know which user sent which data, thanks to the very strict checks implemented client-side to prevent record linkage (see Human Web) and our network anonymization layer (see HPN). [^14]
*** ***
## Betterfox Recommended Build ## Betterfox Recommended Build
You can import my recommended Ghostery setup by [downloading this file](https://www.dropbox.com/s/mbgocfbt4xd7dat/Betterfox_defaults.ghost?dl=0) and [importing it](https://postimg.cc/rDzBbd8B) into the Ghostery extension. You can import my recommended Ghostery setup by [downloading this file](https://www.dropbox.com/s/cldov68l07p5etc/Ghostery-Backup-2-10-2021.ghost?dl=0) and [importing it](https://postimg.cc/rDzBbd8B) into the Ghostery extension.
* Ads + Trackers + Annoyances blocked (with only a handful of exceptions due to site breakage). * Ads + Trackers + Annoyances blocked
* Ghostery Rewards disabled. * Announcements and Product Promotions disabled
* “Allow trackers created by site owners” (first-party trackers) and [Smart Blocking](https://www.ghostery.com/blog/ghostery-news/help-desk-series-smart-blocking/) disabled. * Very few trackers exempted due to site breakage
* Human Web and additional analytics off by default. * [Smart Blocking](https://www.ghostery.com/blog/ghostery-news/help-desk-series-smart-blocking/) disabled
* Purple Box disabled. * Tracker Tally box disabled (formerly Purple Box)
*** ***
## Credits ## Credits
Special thanks to [Rémi](https://github.com/remusao) at Ghostery! Special thanks to [Rémi](https://github.com/remusao) for providing the content for this Q&A!
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