Private browsing, also known as incognito mode or private mode, is a feature offered by most web browsers that promises to keep your browsing history, cookies, and other data hidden from others who use your device. However, it's important to understand that private browsing is not truly private.
Here's why:
- Your internet service provider (ISP) can still see your browsing activity. Private browsing doesn't hide your browsing history from your ISP. They can still track the websites you visit and the data you download.
- Your employer or school network administrator can monitor your activity. If you're using a shared computer or network, your employer or school administrator may still be able to see your browsing history.
- Websites can still track your activity. Even though private browsing prevents your browser from storing cookies and other data, websites can still use other tracking methods, such as browser fingerprinting, to identify you.
- Your search engine may still store your search history. Even though you're using private browsing, your search engine might still record your search queries.
While private browsing offers some protection, it's not a foolproof solution for privacy. If you're concerned about your privacy, you should use a VPN and consider other privacy-enhancing tools.
Practical Tips for Increased Privacy:
- Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address.
- Consider using a privacy-focused browser, such as Brave or Firefox Focus.
- Clear your browser's cache and cookies regularly.
- Use a password manager to store your login credentials securely.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities.
