You can find the “Private Browsing” or “Incognito” mode in Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Chrome browsers, but, is this feature doing what you think it’s doing? “Going private” sounds reassuring, but there may be misconceptions about what using this mode of internet browsing really accomplishes.
The Conversation says, “A common misconception is that these browser modes allow you to browse the web anonymously, surfing the web without websites identifying you and without your internet service provider or your employer knowing what websites you visit. The tools actually provide much more limited protections.”
The first thing we need to know is how it works.
Most private browsing modes act the same: when you close the browser after use, the browser will not have stored the websites you visited, any cookies, login credentials, or information you filled out in forms during that private session. This means that every time you open a private browsing window, you’re beginning with a clean slate. However, any downloads or bookmarks will remain on your system. This is important to remember: “private browsing mode does not prevent websites from learning your IP address, and it does not prevent your employer, school, or internet service provider from seeing your web activities by tracking your IP address.”
Why do people use private browsing mode? Most people want to protect their browsing activities or personal data from other people who are using the same device. It’s possible that someone may be planning to purchase a surprise gift or does not want others knowing what they’re researching or reading about on the internet. Remember: “In addition, private browsing is an easy way to log out of websites when borrowing someone else’s device – so long as you remember to close the window when you are done.”
If you’re logged into an account, like Google or YouTube, even in private browsing it may remember the videos you watched or the searches you made.
Most importantly, private browsing does not make you anonymous online.
“Anyone who can see your internet traffic – your school or employer, your internet service provider, government agencies, people snooping on your public wireless connection – can see your browsing activity. Shielding that activity requires more sophisticated tools that use encryption, like virtual private networks.”
Additionally, private browsing offers limited security protections from the outside world. You can still download a virus or malware. It does not offer extra protections when using your credit card or giving personal information online. You should also note, the longer you leave your private browsing window open, the more browsing data and cookies it accumulates within that session, which can reduce your privacy protection. Close the private browsing window frequently to reset this accumulation of cookies and data.
TLDR: “Private Browsing” stops your browser from keeping a record of your browsing activity, but it will not act as a comprehensive privacy shield.
Happy and safe browsing!