#MOZILLA FIREFOX INSTALL COOKIES WINDOWS#

However, by the beginning of 2021, Firefox reported having lost up to 12% of its user base, according to StatCounter. In total, the Firefox browser has more than 200 million monthly active users, per its own data, and is known to be a popular browser among users with privacy concerns. Overall, the amount of breakage was limited, according to Mozilla. The Storage Access API offers a way for embedded resources to see if they currently have access to their first-party storage and then gives them the ability to request access from the user agent.Īs Mozilla became more aware of common breakage patterns, the company developed heuristics and SmartBlock in Firefox that allow sites using these patterns to continue working without breakage while still enabling the privacy benefits of TCP. When Mozilla was first testing the feature in February, the company monitored for breakage and even collaborated with websites to restructure their site to work with cookie storage isolation technologies like TCP, often by encouraging the use of the Storage Access API, the company told TechCrunch. The company informed TechCrunch that while it protects users from the third-party tracking that might occur on the websites that ask you to accept or decline their privacy policy in a cookie banner, TCP, however, does not protect against first-party tracking, so choosing to click either “accept” or “decline” is still required for first-party cookies. It’s important to note that TCP in Firefox doesn’t protect users from all cookie pop-ups. Firefox will remember the user’s preference for 30 days.

This means the website and the login provider will access the same cookie jar so the user can sign in conveniently. Plus, cross-site cookies are an exception as they are needed for non-tracking purposes, such as those used by popular third-party login providers. That way, the browser experience isn’t affected as TCP continues to offer strong protection against tracking. Access to these cookies is only restricted. So this is part of the reason why Firefox’s Total Cookie Protection doesn’t completely eliminate third-party cookies.

When third-party cookies are blocked outright, this can break some site functionality. Mozilla flips the default switch on Firefox tracker cookie blocking Mozilla hopes that making TCP the default for all users will ensure they are kept safe online.

#MOZILLA FIREFOX INSTALL COOKIES WINDOWS#

As of today, Total Cookie Protection will now be the default for all users worldwide, not just in private windows or if you opt into stricter settings.Ĭompared to its competitors such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox claims to be “the most private and secure major browser available across Windows and Mac,” and Marshall Erwin, Mozilla’s chief security officer, tells TechCrunch that Total Cookie Protection is Firefox’s “strongest privacy protection to date.” It was then enabled by default in private browsing windows with the launch of Firefox 89 later that year. The feature was first introduced in February 2021 and was initially restricted to Firefox’s tracking protection feature - Enhanced Tracking Protection Strict Mode. While the ad tech industry tries to function in a less cookie-filled environment, browsers like Mozilla Firefox are jumping on the opportunity to grow its user base with features such as Total Cookie Protection (TCP).

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