Understanding Website Trackers And the New Privacy Report In Safari 14

Safari 14 adds a Privacy Report button prominently to the toolbar that allows you to see the trackers used by the current site. The report is good information, but there really isn't much you can do besides make sure that Safari's privacy features are enabled.

Comments: 8 Responses to “Understanding Website Trackers And the New Privacy Report In Safari 14”

    Wiliam Taylor
    3 years ago

    I have Safari 11.1.2 on a old Mac using El Capitan. Is my computer too old to get Safari 14? If not how do I get it?

    3 years ago

    Wiliam: Safari 14 requires Mojave, Catalina or Big Sur.

    Bill
    3 years ago

    Gary, isn't this the same what Duckduckgo does?

    3 years ago

    Bill: Not sure if DuckDuckGo is exactly the same, but Safari certainly stops the trackers if you let it. And without any extension needed.

    jasper robinson
    3 years ago

    Almost all web sites try to get you to accept cookies but will (usually) give you the option to turn off all but the essential ones. Does using Safari this way mean that I can ignore this option; i.e., elect to accept all cookies from the website, safe in the knowledge that Safari will block all but the essential ones? (this would make life a lot easier!).

    3 years ago

    Jasper: That is up to you. Cookies from and for the site will still be saved if you don't opt out. The ones everyone are concerned about are the cross-site trackers (usually advertisers). Of course even those will just track you to show you more relevant ads. Opting out of cookies for the site may disable some of the site functionality, like saving your preferences and login information.

    Brandan
    3 years ago

    Gary, we have about 30 or so trackers on our report. Quite high, compared to other local business pages I searched and viewed (since it is accessible to anyone). Is there a way to reduce those numbers? I manage our website (WordPress) and my boss is concerned that clients/prospects that visit our website may view that and be alarmed.

    3 years ago

    Brandan: Identify what they are and remove those features from your site.

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