The Power of Privacy-Oriented Tools: Balancing Personalization and User Privacy
Tags: personaldata, dataprotection, privacy, proxy
Published: 2023-05-18 09:06:04

In today's digital landscape, the significance of the browser we use often goes overlooked. Your browser serves as the gateway to the vast realm of the internet, shaping your online experiences and managing an immense amount of sensitive personal data. 


Many people don't give much thought to the default browser that comes pre-installed on their laptop or smartphone, whether it's Safari, Microsoft Edge, or any other commonly used option. It's easy to assume that this default choice is the best or only option available. 


However, the reality is quite different – a unique browser’s fingerprints can identify individuals even in incognito mode. Here's another example: a certain amount of data leakage is going from the search engine to the third-party provider, especially if you clicked on an ad.


So, can next-gen browsers restrict your IP address and help eliminate your fingerprint? Will a VPN or proxy keep you private? And can you layer these tools together for an additional level of privacy?


In this episode of the Ethical Data, Explained! podcast by [SOAX](https://soax.com/?utm_campaign=ww-en-pro_gen-awa-com_soc-content_distribution&utm_source=dev.to&utm_medium=blog_post&utm_content=podcast&utm_term=008), host Henry Ng is joined by Michael Levit, co-founder and CEO of Tempest. They will discuss privacy-oriented tools that can help restrict the amount of information leaked while browsing the Internet, and the different layers of protection available. They will also emphasize the importance of informing users about ad tracking, fingerprinting, and callbacks that record every click, and ways to give users control over their privacy, whether they choose to be completely private or not.


## The Connection Between Search Engines and Browsers

In recent years, we have seen numerous examples of companies collecting and misusing personal data, leading to increased concerns about online privacy. In response, privacy-oriented search engines and web browsers have emerged as a solution to this problem. 


Search engines and web browsers are closely related, and many users do not differentiate between the two. Traditional search engines like Google prioritize personalization, collecting vast amounts of data about users to tailor search results. 


> We took Chrome and then we ripped out all those pieces that capture every click. When you remove those components, our browser is faster than Chrome.
> Michael Levit

In contrast, privacy-oriented search engines like DuckDuckGo focus on user privacy by offering private search capabilities. However, building a browser that encapsulates both a great private experience and great functionality is challenging. Therefore, both a search engine and a browser are needed to achieve this balance.


## The Importance of User Choice

One of the most important aspects of privacy-oriented tools is that they empower users to take control of their online privacy. Many users are just beginning to realize that they have a choice in web browsers and can download and install different ones than the default option that comes with their computer. By choosing a privacy-oriented browser, users can ensure that their data remains secure and private.


## Features of Privacy-Oriented Tools: The Power of VPN and Proxy Technology

The use of privacy-oriented search engines and web browsers provides users with additional features such as the ability to search without cookies, block tracking scripts, and encrypt search queries. These features maintain the privacy and security of users' online activity and prevent the collection and use of their information without their explicit consent.


Furthermore, VPN and proxy technology can be used alongside privacy-oriented search engines and web browsers to provide an additional layer of protection, further enhancing online privacy. 

> To protect yourself from a privacy standpoint online, a browser and a proxy are two excellent places to start. If you are not doing anything else, do those two things.
> Michael Levit

By integrating VPN and proxy technology directly into the browser, these tools make it even easier for users to protect their personal data.


## Striking a Balance Between Personalization and Privacy

While privacy-oriented search engines and web browsers prioritize user privacy, they must also strike a balance between privacy and personalization. 


> The moment I'm sharing information between my devices, I'm giving the browser information about me. So we have created universal identifiers that are unique to you but know nothing about you.
> Michael Levit


Users should have the option to choose whether or not to share their data in exchange for accessing certain websites or services. For example, sharing passwords may require sacrificing privacy to enjoy sharing content with friends on platforms like Facebook.

Privacy-oriented tools can allow for targeted advertising based on the keywords a user is searching for at a given time, supporting business models without collecting excessive user data.


Tempest has no memory of advertising, and only shares the general search string with Microsoft, their only ad partner, to stay true to the principles and ideologies that the company was founded upon.


## Tips for Enhancing Online Privacy: Browsers, Proxies, and Search Engines

By following three simple steps, you can take control of your data and enhance your online privacy and security:


1. Get a browser: Begin by downloading and installing a browser of your preference, with a default search behavior. This can impact your information and data going forward, so it's important to make a thoughtful choice.
2. Install a proxy: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) or proxy server to encrypt your internet connection and protect your online activity from prying eyes. 
3. Choose a search engine: Change a default search engine to a search engine that doesn't track your online activity. This way, you can search the web without leaving a trail of data behind.


That’s it for today. To find out more, tune in to the full of this week’s episode! You can find links to Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube on the official podcast webpage - [Ethical Data, Explained!](https://blog.soax.com/antidetect-browsers-empowering-users-to-decide-what-personal-data-to-disclose?utm_campaign=ww-en-pro_gen-awa-com_soc-content_distribution&utm_source=dev.to&utm_medium=blog_post&utm_content=podcast&utm_term=008)