What Is Private Browsing? A Detailed Look At How It Works
Most modern web browsers offer a feature called private browsing, also known as incognito mode. When you open a private browsing window, your browser won‘t save your browsing history, search history, cookies, or auto-filled form data for that session. Any files you download or bookmarks you create will be preserved, however.
Private browsing can be useful in certain scenarios, like searching for sensitive health-related topics, shopping for gifts and surprises, or logging into your accounts on a shared computer. However, it‘s important to understand that private browsing offers limited privacy protections and does not make you anonymous online.
How Private Browsing Works
When you launch a private browsing session, your browser will open a new window that is separate from your main browsing window. In this mode:
- The browser will not save your browsing and search history
- Cookies are deleted after you close all private browsing windows
- Information entered into online forms will not be saved for auto-fill later
- Permissions granted to websites, like locations, are reset when you close the window
Essentially, private browsing prevents your browser from saving data about your online activities during that session on your local device. But it doesn‘t prevent websites or internet service providers from seeing your browsing traffic.
It‘s also important to note that any bookmarks created, files downloaded, or browser extensions installed during a private browsing session will remain after you close the browsing window. Private browsing also does not impact browsing or search history associated with your Google account if you are signed in.
Who Can Still See Your Browsing Data
While private browsing prevents your web activities from being saved on your personal device, your online actions can still be seen by:
-
Websites you visit
Every website you access can see your IP address, which can reveal your general location and internet service provider. Many sites also employ tracking scripts and cookies to follow you as you browse. Unless you take extra steps to mask your IP address and block trackers, the websites you visit can build a detailed profile about you – even in private browsing mode. -
Your internet service provider
Your internet service provider (ISP) can see all your web traffic that passes through their servers, including full URLs of every page you visit and how long you spend there. Private browsing does not hide your activities from your ISP. -
Network administrators
If you browse on a school or employer‘s WiFi network, the network administrator can potentially monitor all your online activities. Private browsing won‘t prevent your browsing on their network from being tracked. -
Government and law enforcement
Government agencies and law enforcement can access your browsing history and online data with a warrant or subpoena, even if you were using private browsing. In countries with mass surveillance programs, intelligence agencies may be able to intercept and collect citizens‘ web browsing data.
So while private browsing does prevent your personal device from saving your online history, it does not make you anonymous or shield your activities from websites, network operators, ISPs, or legal authorities. Let‘s look more closely at some of the ways your browsing can still be tracked.
How Websites Can Still Track You in Private Browsing
-
IP address tracking
Every device connected to the internet is assigned a unique IP address. Websites can see the IP address of every visitor, which can reveal your approximate geographic location and the internet provider you use. IP addresses can be used to track repeat visits from the same device over time. -
Browser fingerprinting
Browsers share certain configuration information with websites, like your operating system, browser version, language preferences, and more. Websites can piece together these details to form a unique "fingerprint" of your particular browser setup – which can persist across private browsing sessions. Browser fingerprinting is a common tracking tactic that‘s difficult to prevent. -
Tracking scripts and cookies
Most websites contain embedded scripts and cookies from third-party advertising and analytics services. These scripts can track your visits and activities across any website that loads them. While private browsing blocks cookies from being saved after you close the browsing window, they can still track you during your active session. -
User logins
If you log into websites like Google, Facebook, Amazon or others during a private browsing session, your activities on those sites can be associated back to your account. The browsing activity may not be saved in your local browser history, but it is likely still being recorded by those services in your account history.
Clarifying Misconceptions About Private Browsing
There are quite a few misconceptions about what private browsing can and can‘t do to protect your online privacy. To clarify:
-
Private browsing does not prevent tracking by the websites you visit or the online services you use. Avoiding being tracked by sites and ad networks requires using additional privacy tools.
-
Private browsing does not encrypt your internet traffic or hide your IP address from the websites you visit. Your Internet provider and any network operators can still see which sites you access. A VPN can be used to encrypt your traffic and mask your real IP address.
-
Private browsing only prevents your web browser from storing your browsing history, cookies, and form entries on your personal device. It does not make you anonymous online.
Tips to Increase Your Privacy While Browsing
If you want to take further steps to protect your privacy in addition to using private browsing, here are some tips:
-
Use a VPN
A trustworthy VPN service can encrypt all your internet traffic so that it can‘t be intercepted and monitored by your ISP or network operator. VPNs also mask your real IP address so websites can‘t easily track you. -
Use the Tor browser for sensitive activities
For maximum anonymity, use the Tor browser to access the internet via the Tor anonymity network. Tor encrypts your traffic and routes it through multiple servers to disguise your real location and identity. -
Adjust your browser privacy settings
Change your default search engine to a privacy-focused option like DuckDuckGo. Opt out of ad personalization in your Google account. Disable any non-essential browser extensions that may allow third-party tracking. -
Be selective about what information you share
Think carefully before sharing personal information, location, or payment details online. Minimize creating accounts with your real identity on websites unless absolutely necessary. -
Keep your browser and devices updated
Security vulnerabilities in outdated software can be exploited to compromise your privacy. Always install updates to your operating system, antivirus tools, and browser to get the latest security patches.
When to Use Private Browsing
Private browsing is a handy feature for certain use cases:
-
Logging into your personal accounts on a shared or public computer. Private browsing will prevent your login details from being saved on that device.
-
Searching for topics that you want to keep private from other users of your device, like health conditions, gifts, or travel plans.
-
Testing how websites appear to non-logged in users. Opening a site in a private browsing window will show you how it looks without your user profile and settings applied.
-
Accessing websites that have paywalls or article limits. Some sites that restrict your access after a certain number of articles viewed will be fooled by private browsing.
However, just remember that private browsing mode alone offers minimal privacy protections in the grand scheme of your digital footprint. Think of it more as a useful tool to prevent your own web browser from keeping a record of your online activities, rather than a privacy shield.
In Summary
Private browsing is a feature of web browsers that prevents your browsing history, search queries, cookies, and form inputs from being saved on your local device. It‘s useful for logging into accounts on shared computers or searching for info you want to keep private from others who use your device.
However, private browsing does not make you anonymous online or fully prevent tracking of your activities. Websites you visit can still collect information about you, your ISP can monitor your traffic, and your employer may track your browsing on their network.
To better protect your privacy while browsing, use a VPN to encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address, consider the Tor browser for sensitive activities, adjust your browser privacy settings, and be cautious about sharing personal information online. Combining these tactics with private browsing will give you a more complete suite of online privacy protections.
){kind=link}