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firefox used to offer default set always open in privae tab- why gone?

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 10 views
  • Last reply by Paul

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I used to use Firefox on my PC. At one point, Firefox had a lot of problems - crashed etc. So had to switch to the dreaded Chrome. One key difference was that in Firefox could set default so when clicked link OR opened new tab, it opened in private mode. The invasive Chrome did not offer users the ability to set incognito mode as the default either from link or when opening a new tab. So when opened a link, you were forced to open it so Google knew where you went. Also, still not sure if in Chrome when you open incognito mode it stays incognito mode if you already have a tab opened that is not private. had to annoyingly open incog ito tab on Chrome every time wanted to use it. This past year, Google stated punishing people by not allowing screenshots to be taken while you are in incognito mode.Have been using the invasive Chrome on my Android phone as well.

So imagine my thrill and that of many people with your recent ad campaign that you would offer private browsing, and then my huge disappointment when saw that you neither offered a default for private that would activate whenever clicked on a link or clicked on a new tab ( or even offered these settings separately). I have not tried using Firefox on my PC again but assume same although read something about being able to set in the about:something? Fatal flaw with software now in general is that engineers and coders do not think that marketing experts should be making decisions about the features and functions that should be offered. However, engineers and programmers belive in the value of market research and big data - which is a marketing function - how odd. Really appreciate what programmers do to upgrade and maintain Firefox. But how and why did the privacy feature Firefox offered in the past just get eliminated? Would you please consider adding it back to clearly differentiate Firefox's privacy from Chrome's?

I used to use Firefox on my PC. At one point, Firefox had a lot of problems - crashed etc. So had to switch to the dreaded Chrome. One key difference was that in Firefox could set default so when clicked link OR opened new tab, it opened in private mode. The invasive Chrome did not offer users the ability to set incognito mode as the default either from link or when opening a new tab. So when opened a link, you were forced to open it so Google knew where you went. Also, still not sure if in Chrome when you open incognito mode it stays incognito mode if you already have a tab opened that is not private. had to annoyingly open incog ito tab on Chrome every time wanted to use it. This past year, Google stated punishing people by not allowing screenshots to be taken while you are in incognito mode.Have been using the invasive Chrome on my Android phone as well. So imagine my thrill and that of many people with your recent ad campaign that you would offer private browsing, and then my huge disappointment when saw that you neither offered a default for private that would activate whenever clicked on a link or clicked on a new tab ( or even offered these settings separately). I have not tried using Firefox on my PC again but assume same although read something about being able to set in the about:something? Fatal flaw with software now in general is that engineers and coders do not think that marketing experts should be making decisions about the features and functions that should be offered. However, engineers and programmers belive in the value of market research and big data - which is a marketing function - how odd. Really appreciate what programmers do to upgrade and maintain Firefox. But how and why did the privacy feature Firefox offered in the past just get eliminated? Would you please consider adding it back to clearly differentiate Firefox's privacy from Chrome's?

All Replies (4)

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Private mode in Firefox means that nothing is recorded on local machine during browsing. You're talking about tracking protection. When it's ON, companies don't get any info about you. This can be turned on in normal windows as well.

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Appreciate response. But not understand you. What do you mean by "local machine"? There is my phone, my home network, and all the servers where sites are stored. I do not know where infonthat goes through Firefox that is collected is stored. When in incognito on chrome chrome is not supposed to be collecting and keeping info after tab closed. It lets you know that websites you go to can still track you. There is somewhere I go to try and request not to be tracked and some agree and some do not. Firefox used to have a way to turn on default so when clicked on link would gonto private tab and Firefox woukd not collect info about what you did and what sites went to. All tabs you opened were inprivate mode if you set private as the default. That was sepearate from turning off tracking by websites you visit. Do jot understand why Firefox no longer offers the default settting so it does not track you - so once again links clicked on open in private tab and every new tab you open also private - no tracking by Firefox.

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I just posted ling reply but do not see it posted.

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Hi

You may wish to try Firefox Focus for Android which is available from Google Play. This is a special version of Firefox which offers a lighter, more private browsing experience.