The Privacy Illusion
Google Chrome includes a legacy privacy setting called “Do Not Track.” When enabled, Chrome theoretically sends a tiny text flag to every website you visit, politely asking them not to track your movements. In reality, this setting is completely useless. Because there are no legal requirements for websites to obey the request, virtually every major advertising network and tracking firm completely ignores it. Even worse, by broadcasting this highly specific “Do Not Track” header, you are actually making your browser stand out from the crowd. Tracking companies use this unique header as an additional data point to successfully “fingerprint” and identify your computer. You must disable this flag to blend in.
How to Turn Off Do Not Track
You can permanently stop your browser from broadcasting the useless privacy request via the Site Settings.
- Open the Google Chrome desktop browser.
- Click the three vertical dots (â‹®) in the top right corner and select Settings.
- In the left-hand sidebar, click on Privacy and security.
- In the main window, click on Third-party cookies.
- Scroll down the page until you find the toggle switch labeled “Send a ‘Do Not Track’ request with your browsing traffic.”
- Toggle this switch to the Off position (the grey position).
Blending In
The change is instantaneous. Google Chrome will completely strip the “Do Not Track” header from its outgoing data packets. Because the vast majority of internet users do not have this setting enabled, turning it off actually makes your browser look more generic to tracking algorithms. To achieve actual privacy, you should rely on aggressive ad-blocking extensions and strict third-party cookie blocking, rather than politely asking tracking companies to behave.