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Privacy Badger

⭐ 4.7/5
👥 3,000,000+ users
💰 Free (EFF)

Privacy Badger is an intelligent tracker blocker created by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). Unlike traditional blockers, it learns to block invisible trackers automatically as you browse, protecting your privacy without breaking websites.

How Privacy Badger Works

Privacy Badger uses a unique algorithmic approach to block trackers:

  1. Learns as you browse: Observes 3rd-party domains across multiple sites
  2. Detects tracking behavior: If a domain appears on 3+ different sites, it's flagged as a tracker
  3. Blocks automatically: Trackers are blocked without manual filter lists
  4. Preserves functionality: Doesn't break websites by over-blocking
80%+

Tracking Prevention: Privacy Badger blocks 80%+ of invisible trackers including Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and advertising networks — all without manual configuration.

Key Features

🤖 Automatic Learning

No filter lists needed. Privacy Badger learns which domains track you and blocks them automatically.

🔍 Smart Blocking

Blocks tracking cookies and scripts while allowing essential content to load. Websites continue to work normally.

🌐 Link Cleaning

Removes tracking parameters from URLs (utm_source, fbclid) to prevent click tracking across sites.

🔐 WebRTC Protection

Prevents WebRTC leaks that expose your real IP address when using VPNs or Tor.

🍪 Cookie Management

Blocks 3rd-party tracking cookies while allowing functional 1st-party cookies.

📊 Tracker Counter

Shows exactly how many trackers were blocked on each page. Click the badge to see details.

Privacy Badger vs uBlock Origin

Many users ask: "Should I use Privacy Badger or uBlock Origin?" The answer: Both.

Why Use Both?

Privacy Badger is especially good at blocking:

Setup Guide

Step 1: Install Privacy Badger

  1. Visit privacybadger.org
  2. Click "Install Privacy Badger"
  3. Choose your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera)
  4. Confirm installation

Step 2: Initial Configuration (Optional)

Privacy Badger works great out-of-the-box, but you can customize:

  1. Click Privacy Badger icon → Settings (gear icon)
  2. Enable "Send Do Not Track": Asks websites to respect your privacy preference
  3. Enable "Prevent WebRTC from leaking IP": Essential for VPN users
  4. Disable "Show counter badge": If you find the badge distracting

Step 3: Understanding the Traffic Light System

When you click the Privacy Badger icon, you see a list of trackers with colored sliders:

You can manually adjust any slider if a website breaks.

Common Use Cases

For Developers

For Privacy-Conscious Users

Troubleshooting

Website Not Working?

If Privacy Badger breaks a website:

  1. Click the Privacy Badger icon
  2. Look for red or yellow sliders
  3. Move sliders to green one-by-one until the site works
  4. Or click "Disable Privacy Badger on this site" (temporary fix)

Too Many False Positives?

If Privacy Badger is blocking too aggressively:

  1. Settings → "Learn to block new trackers"
  2. Uncheck this box to stop learning (use existing blocks only)
  3. Or reset Privacy Badger: Settings → "Remove all Privacy Badger data"

Why Trust the EFF?

Privacy Badger is created by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit defending digital privacy and free speech since 1990.

Related Extensions

Combine Privacy Badger with:

Get Started Today

Install Privacy Badger and let it learn to protect you automatically. Join 3 million users who trust EFF to defend their privacy.