What Is 'Do Not Track' and How Do I Use It? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Browsers
What Is 'Do Not Track' and How Do I Use It?
Retain your privacy when surfing the web
By Andy O'Donnell Andy O'Donnell Writer Auburn University Andy O'Donnell, MA, is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and a senior security engineer who is active in internet and network security. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 9, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Browsers Chrome Safari Firefox Microsoft Online advertisers depend on tracking data to target their advertisements and marketing campaigns. This tracking data is mostly made up of cookies, browsing history, location information, and other details that are often shared without users knowing. Much like there is a Do Not Call registry for telemarketers, internet users can request websites to withhold data from marketers, advertisers, and other prying eyes. Do Not Track
Do Not Track is a privacy preference available in most web browsers, including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. This setting is an HTTP header field presented by a web browser to websites. The DNT header communicates to servers that a user reflects one of three value commands: Value 1: The user does not want to be tracked (opt-out).Value 2: The user consents to being tracked (opt-in).Null Value: The user has not set the tracking option. There is currently no law mandating advertisers to abide by users' Do Not Track preferences. However, sites may choose to honor the preference based on the value set in this field. You can research which sites honor Do Not Track by reviewing their privacy policies. Set Up Do Not Track in Firefox
Here's how to set the Do Not Track preference value in Mozilla Firefox: Select the three-line menu icon in the upper-right corner and then select Settings. Alternatively, select Firefox from the menu bar and then select Preferences. Select Privacy & Security from the menu on the left side. Under the Browser Privacy section, select the Always option for Send websites a "Do Not Track" signal that you don't want to be tracked. Firefox also offers a number of website-specific tracker protections you can adjust in this section. Set Up Do Not Track in Chrome
Here's how to set the Do Not Track preference value in Google Chrome: In the upper-right corner of the browser, select the Chrome menu, indicated by three vertical dots. Select Settings. Select Privacy and security from the menu on the left. Under the Privacy and Security section, select the drop-down arrow next to Cookies and other site data. Toggle Send a Do Not Track request with your browsing traffic to On. A message asks you to confirm the setting and to acknowledge its limitations. Select Confirm. Set Up Do Not Track in Safari
Here's how to set the Do Not Track preference value in Apple Safari: From the menu bar, select Safari > Preferences. Select the Privacy tab. Select the Prevent cross-site tracking check box. Set Up Do Not Track in Edge
Here's how to set the Do Not Track preference value in Microsoft Edge: Select the Settings and more icon, indicated by three dots in the upper-right corner. Select Settings. Select Privacy and Services from the menu on the left. Scroll down and toggle on the setting for Send "Do Not Track" requests. Confirm the change by selecting Send Request. Microsoft Edge also offers a number of website-specific tracker protections you can adjust in this section. Set Up Do Not Track in Internet Explorer
Here's how to set the Do Not Track preference value in Microsoft Internet Explorer. Microsoft no longer supports Internet Explorer and recommends that you update to the newer Edge browser. Head to their site to download the newest version. Select the Tools menu or select the tool icon in the upper-right corner. Select Internet Options, located near the bottom of the drop-down menu. Select the Advanced tab in the upper-right corner of the pop-up menu. In the Settings menu, scroll down to the Security section. Select the Send Do Not Track requests to sites you visit in Internet Explorer check box. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Delete Cookies in Every Major Browser How to Stop Autoplay Videos How to Clear Cookies for a Specific Site How to Manage AutoComplete in Internet Explorer 11 How to Allow Pop-Ups on Your PC Allow or Deny Access to Your Physical Location Settings How to Clear Your Search Bar History How to Use the Pop-Up Blocker in Internet Explorer 11 How to Control iPhone Safari Settings and Security How to Give Chrome Access to Your Camera and Mic How to Make Facebook Private How to Clear Cache on an iPad How to Clear Internet Cache in Every Major Browser How to Block Searches of Your Facebook Profile How to Disable JavaScript in Google Chrome How to Prevent Strangers From Seeing Your Facebook Profile Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies