Mozilla and Google have recently updated their browsers to protect their users from privacy and security threats better.
Firefox and Chrome get upgrades in their security, primarily against tracking by Facebook and other sites. Both browsers have added tools that help users manage passwords and help block sites that follow users.
Mozilla introduced an “Enhanced Tracking Protection” feature in Firefox. This feature will block more than 1,000 third-party companies that track users' online activities and personal information.
For this upgrade, the software company has signed a deal with Disconnect, an open-source anti-tracking tool. With the partnership, users of the browser can install the feature by updating. The anti-tracking mode is set on default.
The feature blocks the cookies from popular third-party trackers. However, Mozilla did state whether the feature prevents browser fingerprinting, a different type of profiling.
Firefox has also released its password-management tool, named Firefox Lockwise to desktop users. Previously, the tool was available on Android and iOS. But Mozilla stopped offering its mobile version for some undisclosed reason.
Mozilla's browser also developed an email address management tool. With this tool, Mozilla will monitor any saved email addresses and alert the user if a breach took place via email.
Meanwhile, Google has launched its Google Chrome 75. While it is not a significant release, the upgrade will address weak passwords. Google will do this by porting its Chrome’s built-in password manager to the Android version of its browser.
With the update, Android users of Chrome will get support for Google’s “suggest a strong password” feature.
Moreover, Google has also updated the Chrome password manager by adding an on-the-fly password lookup feature. This add-on will "quickly" check users' passwords by tapping any password field and using the new keyboard option.
Chrome 75 also adds a beta Reader Mode, which can be enabled by visiting chrome://flags/#enable-reader-mode. The upgrade will "distil" a page down to what Google believes as its featured text and art. With this feature, users will no longer see annoying ads and other extraneous distractions.
Google also announced it would launch Chrome 75 for iOS. This version adds a new feature when users use the browser’s incognito mode. It will prevent native apps from loading once the user triggers one by clicking a link.
Facebook tracking issue
Third-party trackers have become a significant issue on privacy and security in recent years. Last year, judges in Belgium ruled that Facebook had broken the country's privacy laws. The country's courts said Facebook tracked internet users by deploying technology such as cookies and social plug-ins.
