3 chapters across the catalog
The Brave Browser, created by Mozilla co-founder Brendan Eich, is highlighted for its ability to block "canvas fingerprinting." This advanced tracking method uses HTML5 to identify a user's unique hardware and software configuration, making them trackable even without cookies. The browser aims to create a more private ecosystem by limiting the data sent to servers.
A winning project from an NPR hackathon called "Open Mind" is a browser extension designed to track a user's browsing history and alert them to political bias. The tool provides a dashboard for users to monitor their "news nutrition" and suggests reputable outlets from the opposing political side. Critics compare the technology to NSA-style tracking and warn of its potential for social engineering.
An experiment in blocking all browser cookies reveals that most tracking mechanisms do not significantly impact the user experience when disabled. The hosts note that while some services like Google Maps require specific cookies, the vast majority of ad network cookies are unnecessary. They criticize the government's focus on "fair use" of data rather than empowering users to withhold it entirely.
