Firefox continues its fight for privacy by automatically removing URL trackers

Mozilla has been rolled out Firefox version 102which takes an extra step to prevent websites from tracking your movements on the internet.

The new version automatically removes query parameters in a URL string. These are the sequences of letters, numbers, and symbols that follow the question mark in the second part of certain URLs. For example:

https://thuishaven.nl/16-juli-thuishaven-zomer-technospecial-w-colin-benders-nachtshow/?fbclid=IwAR3Q7R2K9A5pe6FWNnJOFiWxSXBzEJ44hbJmmbqVDmD1TKdhliwEWLhmCac

Query parameters open a penetrating window to your online privacy and can forward your personal information to sites that monitor user behavior.

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To activate the new anti-tracking feature, go to Firefox Settings, click on Privacy & Security and change Enhanced Tracking Security to Strict.

Note, query parameters are not removed during private browsing, even if strict mode is activated.

To enable the feature in private mode, type “about:config” in the address bar and then “strip” in the search function. Set the third option to ‘true’ and you’re good to go.

Mozilla warns that some sites may not work correctly when using Enhanced Tracking Protection in strict mode. In that case, you can switch back to Standard, which does not offer the anti-tracking feature.

Privacy at the top of the list

Firefox’s default privacy settings are more proactive than other mainstream browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Safari.

Specifically, it blocks social media trackers, cryptominers, fingerprints, cross-site and third-party cookies and general tracking content in all windows.

So it’s bulletproof? No, no browser is complete.

And even with the new updated version, you have to adjust most of the security settings yourself in strict or custom mode. Brave, on the other hand, offers these options by default.

Nevertheless, if privacy is your main concern, Firefox is doing a great job and we can expect further improvements in the future. Especially if you are considering moving away from Chrome’s (or Google’s) Constant Monitoring†