So as the title mentions, I’m wondering how much is too much?

I am currently using Brave with the setting to:

  • Aggressively block trackers & ads
  • Only connect with HTTPS
  • Block fingerprinting
  • Block cross-site cookies

In addition to that, I have installed the following extensions:

  • uBlock Origin
  • Ghostery
  • Decentraleyes
  • DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials

So my question is: Is this overkill? If so, what should/could be removed that may be redundant? I want as much coverage as possible, but not have things bloated.

  • Skimmer@lemmy.zipEnglish
    13·
    3 years ago

    Please never do this! Read this thread from the developer of uBlock Origin. Using multiple content blockers together like this can and will cause issues, as well as will increase fingerprinting, etc, and there’s no gain or benefit at all from doing so.

    I would disable Brave’s built-in ad/tracker blocking (leave the rest of the Shields’ functionality enabled), and would solely use uBlock Origin, and remove the other extensions. (You could even just stick to Brave’s built in ad/tracker blocking if you want to, but I just prefer uBlock Origin for its advanced features and compatibility)

    As far as Decentraleyes goes, its essentially abandoned. You can use LocalCDN instead if you wish to do so, though its privacy benefits are debated. I mainly use it since I use uBlock Origin in Hard mode (which it complements uBo very nicely in both Medium or Hard Mode), and for the performance boost it gives, but its up to you. Ghostery and DDG Essentials should definitely be removed. (While DDG Essentials isn’t only content blocking, its other features are also just completely redundant and unnecessary with Brave)

    • twei@feddit.deEnglish
      1·
      3 years ago

      tor using ublock origin would be new to me. do you mean they now ship it by default or do you mean that you can install it like a regular firefox extension?

  • AphoticDev@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    2·
    3 years ago

    The only privacy add-on you need is uBlock Origin with script blocking and advanced mode enabled, installed on Firefox. Better yet, LibreWolf, although a few websites will be broken by LibreWolf. There are no other privacy add-ons that are necessary beyond uBlock Origin.

    I mean, you can install them if you want, but they won’t do anything.

  • HughJanus@lemmy.mlEnglish
    1·
    3 years ago

    You don’t need any of those.

    The functions and lists of uBlock are built into Brave. Most of the rest are redundant. You’re just having the opposite effect that you’re trying to achieve. These extensions are just used to fingerprint you.

  • LEM 1689@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    1·
    3 years ago

    I’ve tested a few browsers using Eff’s Cover Your Tracks website. The best is TOR, but Brave with no extensions is second, it said it provided a randomized fingerprint. Tried it with Firefox with uBlock and it said my comp had a unique fingerprint. Mullvad browser faired slighty better, cant recall the score, but at least it wasn’t unique. I tried it with Librewolf also with a load of extensions and it was a poor score as well. So, imo, you don’t need extensions with Brave. I think my settings are the same as yours.

  • worfamerryman@beehaw.org
    English
    0·
    3 years ago

    Websites can also dingier print you by your browser settings and extensions.

    So, having a lot of extensions can defeat the purpose of privacy.

    I try to keep default settings and a minimal number of extensions.

    • Lemongrab@lemmy.oneEnglish
      0·
      3 years ago

      It depends on what browser and what extensions. Previously addon could be fingerprinted by detecting what web resourves they used (i think just chromium). On firefox extensions can get detected by sensing certain telltale changes they provide. eg. Inserting js in dom or blocking of ad/tracking domains. Even if the extension itself isnt identified, unique settings and multiple content blockers will make kinds of fingerprinting possible.

    • ares35@kbin.social
      1·
      3 years ago

      pihole by itself does not remove all the ads and trackers, just ones that come from different hostnames than the site being accessed–which can be blocked by dns.

      a browser-based blocker is essential.

      • Taasz/Woof@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        2·
        3 years ago

        I don’t use it just because I’m not a fan of how chromium browsers work. They have had some controversies too around their crypto stuff and other things, but I’m not too familiar with them.