Firefox 74 can make it harder for Facebook to track you around the web
The latest version of the Firefox web browser actively encourages users to install a browser extension that limits Facebook’s ability to track them across the web.
After updating to Firefox 74, users will see a prompt to install the new version of the Facebook Container add-on, which is also made by Mozilla.
The add-on is designed to guard against Facebook’s habit of aggressively tracking users across the web. “It’s okay to like Facebook,” the prompt says before continuing, “If you still kinda like Facebook, but don’t trust them then try the Facebook Container extension by Firefox and make it harder for them to track you around the web.”
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Once installed, it will effectively shut Facebook inso it can not invade other pages and gobble down the data. If the site in question requires a Facebook login, or you’d like to use the Facebook Likes feature, you can add the site to the Container.
However, if you click a share to Facebook button from an external website, the link will load within the container.
Currently, according to a report from The Register, it has 1.1 million users, who’ve given it an average rank of 4.5 stars.
“Installing this extension closes your Facebook tabs, deletes your Facebook cookies, and logs you out of Facebook,” the non-profit foundation advises users. Then, when you log back into Facebook, the login will be contained to just the one tab.
Related: How to stop Facebook tracking you when you’re not on Facebook
Mozilla explains: “The next time you navigate to Facebook, the site will load in a new tab. The tab is coloured blue to indicate you are in the container. You can log in and use Facebook as you normally do when in the Facebook Container. If you click on a non-Facebook link or navigate to a non-Facebook website in the URL bar, these pages will load outside of the container.”
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
