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How Firefox can help block invasive ads

How Firefox can help block invasive ads
Jacob Yothment

Jacob Yothment

  • Updated:

It’s happened to all of us.

You’re on Facebook, and an annoying ad pops up. You switch over to Instagram and, sure enough, it’s there, too. Finally, you start surfing the web and that same irritating ad just keeps following you.

It turns out that this ad is following you because of something called fingerprinting. Through fingerprinting, a company makes a profile all about you. These profiles make it easier for marketers to send you tailored ads.

Luckily, Firefox is here to help with a feature that can add a layer of protection between you and the companies that want to profile you.

How Firefox can stop fingerprinting

To use Firefox to stop fingerprinting, just follow these basic steps:

  • Open Firefox
  • Click on the menu in the top right of the screen (it looks like three horizontal lines)
  • Click on “Content Blocking”
  • Scroll down to the “Custom” section
  • From the “Custom” section, check the box for “Fingerprinting”
  • You’re all set!

Firefox block

Wrapping up

Blocking fingerprinting with Firefox can cause some sites to break. But if you put a premium on privacy, the positives could outweigh the negatives. Fingerprinting tracks your data without your permission as well as slows down your computer.

If you’re tired of seeing these ads over and over again, Firefox and its features offer a cleaner, more private online experience.

Softonic is proud to partner with Mozilla. When you download from us, we may earn a commission.

Jacob Yothment

Jacob Yothment

Jacob Yothment is the assistant content editor for Softonic. He's worked in journalism since high school, and has been a fan of all things technology and video games his entire life. He is a 2016 graduate of Purdue University Northwest.

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