How do I turn on the Do-not-track feature?

Note: This article doesn't apply to your version of Firefox. It requires the latest Firefox version which can be downloaded from mozilla.org/firefox.

Most major websites track their visitors' behavior and then sell or provide that information to other companies (like advertisers). Firefox has a Do-not-track feature that lets you tell websites you don't want your browsing behavior tracked. This article explains what tracking is, how the Do-not-track feature works and how to turn it on.

What is tracking?

Tracking is a term that includes many different methods that websites, advertisers and others use to learn about your web browsing behavior. This includes information about what sites you visit, things you like, dislike and purchase. They often use this information to show ads, products or services specifically targeted to you.

How does the Do-not-track feature work?

When you turn on the Do-not-track feature, Firefox tells every website you visit (as well as their advertisers and other content providers) that you don't want your browsing behavior tracked. Honoring this setting is voluntary — individual websites are not required to respect it. Websites that do honor this setting should automatically stop tracking your behavior without any further action from you.

Turning on Do-not-track will not affect your ability to log into websites nor cause Firefox to forget your private information — such as the contents of shopping carts, location information or login information.

Note: You may see less relevant advertising on websites if you have the Do-not-track option activated.

How do I turn the Do-not-track feature on?

The Do-not-track feature is turned off by default. To turn it on:

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button (Tools menu in Windows XP) and then click OptionsOn the menu bar, click on the Firefox menu and select Preferences...At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Edit menu and select PreferencesAt the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu and select Options...On the menu bar, click on the Firefox menu and select Preferences...At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Edit menu and select Preferences... .
  2. Select the Advanced panel and then the General tab if it's not already selected

    Options window - Advanced panel - Do not track
  3. Check Tell websites I do not want to be tracked.
  4. Click OK to close the Options windowClick Close to close the Preferences windowClose the Preferences window

How do I turn the Do-not-track feature on?

The Do-not-track feature is turned off by default. To turn it on:

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button (Tools menu in Windows XP) and then click OptionsOn the menu bar, click on the Firefox menu and select Preferences...At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Edit menu and select PreferencesAt the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu and select Options...On the menu bar, click on the Firefox menu and select Preferences...At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Edit menu and select Preferences...
  2. Select the Privacy panel.
  3. Check Tell websites I do not want to be tracked.
  4. Click OK to close the Options windowClick Close to close the Preferences windowClose the Preferences window
    Do Not Track - Win Do Not Track - Mac Do Not Track - Lin
Contributors to this page: Cww, smo, Verdi, scoobidiver

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