Using Private Browsers on Your Android

Transparency has never been the Internet’s strong suit, particularly when it comes to data collection online. However, with the increasing emphasis on companies and third parties to disclose how they are using your personal data, it is unsurprising that people are turning to private browsing to cover their digital footprint and keep their personal information from falling into the wrong hands.

Private browsing, incognito mode, or InPrivate browsing, whatever form you use, has been on desktops and laptops from as early as 2005. It has been advertised as a way of hiding your shoe shopping addiction, or as a way of covering up present-buying for your significant other. However, if you look at the relationship cheating statistics 2019, it’s quite clear that private browsing has had other uses.

Back in 2005 when private browsing first appeared, it was only possible to use it on a desktop or laptop computer; however, not many people know that nowadays you can also use it on your phone as well.

Here are four of the top private browsers for Android users:

1. Ghostery Private Browsing

Ghostery talks the biggest talk when it comes to private browsing. It boasts complete and total privacy control for the user, with added features such as the ability to track your data on the websites you visit, and to individually block or unblock them. You can turn into a complete online ghost when using Ghostery.

2. InBrowser

InBrowser promises to always be in privacy mode, making you invisible to the websites you are visiting. This is true, however, much like many other private browsers the invisibility only begins when you close the browser. During your time in the browser you are still visible to anyone else who might have access to your computer — for example, a workplace or school router.

3. Firefox Focus

The fourth big name to join private browsing, Mozilla Firefox bought out its Firefox Focus specifically for Android users. It does everything that private browsers should do but as an added bonus, Firefox Focus sends you a push notification that alerts you to any open session on your phone that you might have forgotten about.

4. Google Chrome

As the default browser on most Android phones, Google Chrome’s incognito mode works in exactly the same way as its desktop version. The bonus of using Google Chrome as your private browser is you can use a private browser tab and a normal browser tab at the same time.

Private browsing has been cast under a dark shadow due to its obvious secrecy element. However, it is important to remember how helpful private browsing can be if you want to keep your personal data private. Private browsing doesn’t just hide what websites you visit and what searches you make, it also erases all passwords and personal information you input. Simple things like online web forms or sign-ups can gather a wealth of information from you that companies and third parties will utilize for their own gain. Don’t let them! Switch to private browsing today.