what is safari cross site tracking

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What Is Safari Prevent Cross-Site Tracking?

By Aaron Kim 0 comments Last updated November 10, 2022

Privacy and keeping your information safe should always be a priority if you’re active online in any capacity. iOS users use Safari on their devices for most internet browsing activities, and the existence of trackers and cookies means that, no matter what website you visit, someone somewhere is collecting your data. This is obviously an unfortunate development in modern internet browsing, but Apple has been trying to empower its users by adding more privacy features over the years. One of those features is being able to enable the ‘Safari prevent cross-tracking’ option. If you’re not sure what that is and want to find out more about it, read on for more information.

What Is Cross-Site Tracking?

Should i enable safari prevent cross-site tracking, how to enable safari prevent cross-site tracking, push notifications, sharing tab groups.

How To Use Tab Groups in Safari on iPhone and iPad Hero

When you visit any particular website, it plants cookies in a hidden folder on your iOS device. Cookies remember information about your visit, such as how long you stayed, what actions you performed on the website, if you clicked any ads, and more. This way, when you browse the internet, you might see content and results related to what information the cookies picked up. It’s a double-edged sword, as cookies do enable digital services to create more personalized and relevant features, but it can also feel like an invasion of privacy.

So, for example, you click on an advertisement on a website. This will plant a tracker on your device, which will then alert search engines and other relevant services that you’re interested in what the ad has to offer. So now, when you visit other websites, the ad network that owns that ad may also put the same (or similar) ads on different websites you visit. This is cross-site tracking.

Even if you don’t care too much about digital privacy, we do recommend you enable Safari ‘prevent cross-site tracking’. Typically, this setting is enabled by default on Safari, but there are some cases where you might not have it on. Large social media networks and websites frequently plant cookies and trackers on your devices to find out as much information about you as possible so that they can sell it to advertisers and third parties. If that makes you feel uncomfortable, it should. To help protect your privacy even just a little bit, turn on Safari’s ‘prevent cross-site tracking’ feature.

As mentioned, Prevent Cross-Site Tracking is typically enabled by default on iOS 16. If, for whatever reason, you suspect it may be off, you can find the option to turn it on here:

Open your Settings app.
Navigate to Safari .
Scroll down until you find ‘ Prevent Cross-Site Tracking ‘ in the Privacy & Security section.
That’s all!

Other iOS 16 Safari Tips

Here are some other iOS 16 Safari tips and tricks you can utilize to streamline your internet browsing experience:

If there’s ever been a time you wanted to save a webpage for later reference, you can pin tabs in Safari. Many social media networks employ this feature, with Instagram and Twitter both allowing users to pin posts and pictures. Now, you can do something similar with Safari. To pin a tab, just press and hold on the URL toolbar and select Pin Tab. Now, when you enter the Safari tab screen (by pressing the two squares in the lower right corner), you’ll see your tab pinned to the top.

You’ll have to wait until 2023 for this one, but Safari push notifications will allow you to receive notifications from certain websites and social media networks on Safari. Although most people prefer to use apps, some still use Safari for certain social media networks and platforms. If you’re one of those, we’ll update you when the new Safari push notifications feature goes live.

It seems as if Apple’s putting a lot of focus on Safari and trying to innovate it into becoming an actual competitor to Google Chrome. Tab groups allow you to organize multiple tabs into one location and share the whole group with someone instead of having to share each individual link. For example, if you’re planning a large get-together with friends and family and want to share recipes, activities, or other similar information, you might make a tab group collecting a bunch of relevant links so everyone can understand the agenda. To do this, just create a tab group, put links into it, then press the Apple share icon to get the link for the tab group.

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Introduction

In today's digital age, web browsing has become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether we're shopping online, reading the news, or connecting with friends on social media, our web activities leave behind a trail of data that is often used for targeted advertising and user tracking. However, this convenience comes with a potential downside: cross-site tracking.

Cross-site tracking refers to the practice of collecting and sharing user data across multiple websites, often without the user's explicit consent. This form of tracking allows companies to create detailed profiles of individuals' online behavior, preferences, and interests. While this can lead to personalized experiences and targeted advertisements, it also raises concerns about privacy and data security.

In the context of Apple's Safari browser , cross-site tracking has been a focal point of attention. As one of the leading web browsers, Safari has taken a proactive stance in safeguarding user privacy and security. By understanding the implications of cross-site tracking and the measures taken by Safari to mitigate its impact, users can make informed decisions about their online activities and protect their personal information.

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of cross-site tracking in Safari, exploring its implications and the steps users can take to mitigate its effects. By shedding light on this important aspect of web browsing, we aim to empower users with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and security. Let's embark on a journey to unravel the complexities of cross-site tracking and discover how Safari is at the forefront of protecting user privacy.

Understanding Cross-Site Tracking

Cross-site tracking, also known as third-party tracking, is a pervasive practice in the digital realm that involves the collection and sharing of user data across multiple websites. This mechanism allows various entities, such as advertising networks and data brokers, to monitor users' online activities, create comprehensive profiles, and deliver targeted advertisements. The fundamental concept revolves around the ability to track users as they navigate through different websites, enabling the aggregation of their browsing history, preferences, and interactions.

At the core of cross-site tracking is the utilization of cookies, which are small pieces of data stored in users' web browsers. These cookies are employed by third-party entities to track users across various websites, thereby enabling the compilation of extensive behavioral data. By leveraging this information, advertisers can tailor their marketing strategies to align with users' interests and preferences, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of targeted advertising campaigns.

The implications of cross-site tracking extend beyond personalized advertising, delving into the realms of privacy and data security. With the accumulation of vast amounts of user data, concerns arise regarding the potential misuse or unauthorized access to this information. Furthermore, the lack of transparency and user consent in cross-site tracking practices raises ethical and legal considerations, prompting discussions about the need for enhanced privacy regulations and user empowerment.

In the context of Safari, Apple has been at the forefront of addressing cross-site tracking through innovative measures. Safari's Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) is a pioneering feature designed to mitigate the impact of cross-site tracking by limiting the capabilities of third-party trackers. By intelligently managing cookies and other website data, ITP aims to enhance user privacy while maintaining a seamless browsing experience.

As users become more cognizant of the intricacies of cross-site tracking, the demand for transparency, control, and privacy-centric browsing experiences continues to grow. By comprehending the mechanisms and implications of cross-site tracking, individuals can make informed decisions about their online activities and take proactive steps to safeguard their personal information. Safari's commitment to privacy and security underscores the significance of empowering users to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and control.

Impact of Cross-Site Tracking in Safari

Cross-site tracking in Safari can have far-reaching implications for users, influencing their online experiences, privacy, and data security. By allowing third-party entities to monitor and aggregate user data across multiple websites, cross-site tracking raises significant concerns that extend beyond targeted advertising.

One of the primary impacts of cross-site tracking is the erosion of user privacy. As users navigate the web, their activities and interactions are meticulously tracked, leading to the creation of detailed profiles that encompass their browsing history, preferences, and behaviors. This extensive data collection can infringe upon individuals' privacy rights, as it enables entities to gain insights into users' personal interests and online habits without their explicit consent.

Furthermore, cross-site tracking poses potential security risks, as the aggregation of user data across disparate websites increases the likelihood of unauthorized access or misuse of this information. The accumulation of sensitive data within the digital ecosystem heightens concerns about data breaches, identity theft, and other forms of cyber threats. Consequently, users may feel vulnerable to potential exploitation and unauthorized surveillance, underscoring the critical need for robust privacy safeguards.

Moreover, the prevalence of cross-site tracking can lead to a less transparent and user-centric web browsing experience. With third-party entities leveraging tracking mechanisms to monitor users' activities without their explicit knowledge, the lack of transparency undermines users' ability to make informed decisions about their online interactions. This opacity in data collection and sharing practices diminishes users' control over their personal information, highlighting the importance of empowering individuals with greater transparency and consent mechanisms.

In response to these implications, Safari's Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) has emerged as a pivotal tool in mitigating the impact of cross-site tracking. By implementing measures to intelligently manage cookies and restrict the capabilities of third-party trackers, Safari aims to bolster user privacy and security while fostering a more transparent and user-centric browsing environment.

As users become increasingly aware of the implications of cross-site tracking, the demand for privacy-centric browsing experiences continues to grow. Safari's proactive approach to addressing cross-site tracking underscores the significance of prioritizing user privacy and empowering individuals to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and control.

Through a comprehensive understanding of the impact of cross-site tracking in Safari, users can make informed decisions about their online activities and leverage the tools and features available to safeguard their privacy and security. By championing user empowerment and privacy-centric initiatives, Safari remains at the forefront of fostering a more secure and transparent web browsing ecosystem.

How to Prevent Cross-Site Tracking in Safari

Safari, renowned for its commitment to user privacy and security, offers robust features and settings to mitigate the impact of cross-site tracking. By leveraging these tools, users can proactively safeguard their online activities and enhance their browsing privacy. Here are several effective methods to prevent cross-site tracking in Safari :

1. Enable Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP):

Safari's Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) is a groundbreaking feature designed to limit the capabilities of third-party trackers, thereby reducing cross-site tracking. By intelligently managing cookies and other website data, ITP enhances user privacy while maintaining a seamless browsing experience. Users can ensure that ITP is enabled by accessing Safari's preferences and navigating to the "Privacy" tab.

2. Utilize Content Blockers:

Safari allows users to install and utilize content blockers, which are extensions designed to block specific types of content, including trackers and cookies. By leveraging content blockers, users can effectively mitigate cross-site tracking and enhance their browsing privacy. These blockers can be easily installed and managed through Safari's preferences, empowering users to customize their browsing experience according to their privacy preferences.

3. Manage Website Data:

Safari provides users with the ability to manage website data, including cookies and other tracking mechanisms. By regularly reviewing and clearing website data, users can minimize the accumulation of tracking information and enhance their privacy. This can be accomplished by accessing Safari's preferences, navigating to the "Privacy" tab, and selecting the "Manage Website Data" option.

4. Limit Cross-Site Tracking and Cookies:

Within Safari's preferences, users can configure settings to limit cross-site tracking and block cookies from third-party entities. By adjusting these settings, users can exert greater control over the data collection practices employed by websites, thereby reducing the impact of cross-site tracking. This proactive approach empowers users to tailor their privacy preferences according to their individual needs and concerns.

5. Stay Informed and Engage with Privacy Settings:

Safari regularly updates its features and settings to enhance user privacy and security. Users are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments and engage with Safari's privacy settings to leverage the most effective tools for preventing cross-site tracking. By remaining proactive and informed, users can optimize their browsing experience while prioritizing their privacy.

By implementing these strategies and leveraging Safari's privacy-centric features, users can effectively prevent cross-site tracking and enhance their browsing privacy. Safari's steadfast commitment to user privacy underscores the importance of empowering individuals to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and control.

Through a comprehensive understanding of these preventive measures, users can proactively safeguard their online activities and foster a more secure and transparent web browsing ecosystem.

In conclusion, the prevalence of cross-site tracking in the digital landscape has underscored the critical need for robust privacy safeguards and user empowerment. As users navigate the web, their online activities and interactions are subject to extensive tracking and data collection practices, raising concerns about privacy, transparency, and data security. However, Safari, with its pioneering Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) and privacy-centric features, has emerged as a trailblazer in mitigating the impact of cross-site tracking and prioritizing user privacy.

By shedding light on the intricacies of cross-site tracking and Safari's proactive measures, users can make informed decisions about their online activities and take proactive steps to safeguard their personal information. Safari's commitment to enhancing user privacy and security reflects a steadfast dedication to empowering individuals to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and control.

As users become increasingly aware of the implications of cross-site tracking, the demand for privacy-centric browsing experiences continues to grow. Safari's proactive approach to addressing cross-site tracking underscores the significance of prioritizing user privacy and fostering a more secure and transparent web browsing ecosystem.

By leveraging Safari's robust features, including Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP), content blockers, and privacy settings, users can proactively mitigate the impact of cross-site tracking and enhance their browsing privacy. Through a comprehensive understanding of these preventive measures, individuals can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, knowing that their privacy and security are prioritized.

In essence, Safari's commitment to user privacy and its proactive stance in addressing cross-site tracking exemplify the importance of empowering individuals to take control of their online experiences. By championing transparency, user consent, and privacy-centric initiatives, Safari remains at the forefront of fostering a more secure and user-centric web browsing environment. As users continue to prioritize privacy and data security, Safari's unwavering dedication to user empowerment sets a compelling precedent for the digital ecosystem at large.

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‘Prevent Cross-Site Tracking’ in Safari Explained

Safari has an important privacy feature to prevent cross-site tracking. Regardless of your device — Mac, iPhone, iPad or Windows PC — you will see an option to turn off or on this feature in Safari’s settings. This is enabled by default. You may wonder what this option really means and what really happens if you turn it on or off. In this article, I will explain what “prevent cross-site tracking” does, if you should turn it on or off and then how to enable or disable it.

What is cross-site tracking

Before I start, I should mention that all major browsers like Firefox, Mozilla or Chrome offer similar features. This is because it is an important feature, and if you value your privacy, you should know about it.

Let’s give an example. Say you visited a site, any site with ads on it which is most sites on the net. And assume that you clicked an ad on the site because it was something you were interested in. Then you leave this site 10 minutes later, then the next site you visit may show the same ad you clicked on or ads in the same category. This is because a third-party ad agency on the first site tracked you so that it could customize the ads for you. It can keep tracking you across multiple websites, and thus, the same or very similar ads may appear on the other sites you visit later based on your previous interactions. In other words, the ad agency will use this to target you. This would not occur if you enabled “Prevent cross-site tracking” in Safari because the ad agency would be prevented from tracking you.

Should you enable or disable this?

In general, you should enable this. By this, I mean turn on “ prevent cross-site tracking .” This is an important privacy feature. That is why it is enabled by default, and you should not turn it off. When you enable this, Safari will prevent trackers from following you and viewing your IP address or location details. However, there can be a few scenarios you may need to disable this. For example, some sites may be heavily dependent on cross-site tracking to operate. For example, some seat-booking websites or online learning platforms may ask you to disable this. What you can do is temporarily disable it, and then you can enable it after you are done.

What happens if you enable this

These will occur:

When you visit a site with third-party trackers, the trackers will be blocked.
The trackers’ cookies and website data will not be saved.

How to turn “Prevent cross-site tracking” on and off

In Safari, click on Safari , then Settings (or Preferences if you are running an older version of macOS).
Click the Privacy tab.
Select the “ Prevent cross-site tracking ” box to enable this. Uncheck the box to disable it.

On iPhone or iPad:

Tap Settings and Safari .
Scroll down and find the “ Privacy and Security ” section.
Toggle on (or off) Prevent Cross-Site Tracking .

Can you see the trackers?

Yes, Safari lets you view your privacy reports . These reports will include the following:

Does the website you are visiting have any third-party trackers trying to follow you? Again most sites do.
A summary of trackers that you have encountered in the last 30 days.
The trackers that are blocked from following you.
A summary of websites with the number of trackers.

Here is how to open Safari’s privacy report:

Open Safari and visit a site like macreports.com
Click the Privacy Report button located in the toolbar, usually to the left of the URL bar. This will show if the site has any third-party trackers. If you don’t see the Privacy Report button, go to the top menu bar and click on View > Customize Toolbar to add the Privacy Report button.
Click the (i) info button to see more details.

Open Safari and visit a site.
Tap the double AA button, which is located on the left side of the URL bar.
Select Privacy Report .

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Dr. Serhat Kurt worked as a Senior Technology Director specializing in Apple solutions for small and medium-sized educational institutions. He holds a doctoral degree (or doctorate) from the University of Illinois at Urbana / Champaign and a master’s degree from Purdue University. He is a former faculty member. Here is his LinkedIn profile and Google Scholar profile . Email Serhat Kurt .

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One Comment

I find I do need to disable this privacy feature cross site tracking for some web sites. At least in my experience disabling it tends to fix the issues.