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Microsoft Edge Browser is now More Secure after Disabling Google FLoC Tracking Feature

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Jennie Miller

Microsoft built the new Edge with its swirling blue logo. It retains all of the functionality of Chromium, including compatibility with the Chrome Web Store and Microsoft’s own administered apps. You just need to download & install the Edge and ask it to import your favorites, passwords, and other essential data from another browser. The new Edge feels very much like Chrome, but a bit heavy on the CPU resources. This is a quick and responsive browser and compatible with the familiar Chrome experience. Point to be noted that Chromium features like casting to an external device and extensions are workable. However, there is no apparent way to set media controls for a given site. The new Edge enables you to syncs your information with your Microsoft account.

Moreover, Microsoft is now the first company blocking Google’s browser-based tracking feature FLoC, but it remains disabled in Microsoft Edge. Google recently started testing out its FLoC (Federated Learning of Cohorts) tracking program which is designed to replace third-party cookies. It is noteworthy that FLoC uses machine learning algorithms to place people into groups based on their browsing habits and data from these groups, instead of tracking users on an individual basis and then share with advertisers. FLoC is currently being tested in Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers as Google has added it to Chromium’s source code through a component called the Federated Learning of Cohorts. The search giant has enabled support for FLoC by default and other companies that have created Chromium-based browsers will automatically have the component installed unless they manually disable it.

Now, Microsoft has decided to disable FLoC in Edge, though the company could enable the feature in the future if it proves to be an acceptable replacement for third-party cookies. The software giant also provided information about its own alternative to third-party cookies called PARAKEET (Private and Anonymized Requests for Ads that Keep Efficacy and Enhance Transparency). It is important that Apple and Mozilla are also on the fence when it comes to embracing Google’s FLoC in their respective browsers. A Mozilla spokesperson said that it is currently evaluating various advertising proposals, but Apple hasn’t yet said whether it will support FLoC. However, Safari engineer John Wilander has said the company will also wait and see. WordPress recently said that it is considering blocking FLoC, while DuckDuckGo and Electronic Frontier Foundation have openly voiced their concerns about FLoC.

Source: https://www.techhound.org/apps/microsoft-edge-browser-is-now-more-secure-after-disabling-google-floc-tracking-feature/

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Jennie Miller
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