A tracker blocker is a tool that can identify and block internet trackers from monitoring your movements online. Trackers—code snippets embedded into websites and apps—collect data on user behavior, preferences, and browsing history. Companies use this data for targeted advertising, analysis, and sometimes even unethical practices like reselling the data.
Therefore, many VPN providers also offer tracker blockers to prevent users from being whitelisted and tracked by third parties online, resulting in a more secure and privacy-friendly internet experience.
How tracker blockers work
Tracker blockers, for example, work by blocking requests made by tracking scripts, preventing them from loading. They achieve this in several ways:
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Blocking known trackers: Tracker blockers rely on databases of known tracking domains to identify and block requests to these servers.
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Preventing cookies: Most trackers use cookies to track users. Tracker blockers can detect and prevent cookies from being installed.
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Ad and script blocking: Most ad blockers work alongside tracker blockers to block scripts that serve ads and track user behavior.
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Encrypting DNS requests: Some tracker blockers take it a step further by encrypting DNS queries so trackers can’t determine which sites you’re visiting.
The advantages of using tracker blockers
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Comprehensive online privacy: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, and tracker blockers add another layer of protection against tracking, providing a complete privacy solution.
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Secure browsing: Ad blockers protect against trackers embedded in malicious ads or compromised websites.
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Customization: Most tracker blockers allow users to whitelist sites they trust while blocking trackers elsewhere.
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Enhanced security for mobile users: Tracker blockers are particularly useful for mobile devices, where apps often include hidden trackers.
The disadvantages of using tracker blockers
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Compatibility issues: Some websites may not function correctly if trackers are blocked, as they rely on trackers for legitimate purposes like session management or analytics.
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Overblocking: Tracker blockers can sometimes block features or content that users wish to access.
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False Sense of Security: Tracker blockers enhance privacy, but they don’t eliminate the need for other safety measures online, such as using strong passwords or anti-malware software.
VPN services offering tracker blockers
- NordVPN (Strong privacy protection with military-grade encryption. It offers a large server network, allowing for fast and reliable connections, and is superb at unblocking streaming services. It has a few unique features such as strong security, fast speeds, and global coverage.).
- ExpressVPN (One of the most popular VPN services is ExpressVPN, which has servers in over 100 countries globally. Quick, secure, trustworthy, anonymous.).
- PureVPN (PureVPN is a fairly successful VPN service at low prices.).