Privacy Tips

How do I reduce online tracking and stop Google profiling me?

Started by randywills3306 · Apr 4, 2026

#8364
For clearnet (regular internet) with max privacy/anonymity, layer VPN + hardened browser + extensions to mask IP, block trackers/fingerprinting, and evade Google profiling. Avoid Tor slowdowns; focus on speed + resistance (test at browserleaks.com or eff.org/coveryourtracks).

Recommended Tools Stack

VPN (Layer 1): Mullvad, ProtonVPN, or ExpressVPN (WireGuard, no-logs, killswitch). Obfuscates traffic, hides IP from ISPs/sites.

Browser:

LibreWolf (hardened Firefox, no telemetry).

Brave (built-in tracker block, fingerprint randomization).

Mullvad Browser (Tor tech sans network, pair w/ VPN).

Extensions (on LibreWolf/Brave):

uBlock Origin (trackers/ads).

CanvasBlocker/Trace (anti-fingerprint).

NoScript/Privacy Badger (JS control).

HTTPS Everywhere.

Extras: Quad9 DNS (9.9.9.9), containerization (Firejail).

Step-by-Step Checklist

VPN Setup: Install Mullvad/Proton → Connect to obfuscated server → Enable killswitch/DNS leak protection.

Browser Config:

Install LibreWolf/Brave.

about:config: privacy.resistFingerprinting=true; network.trr.mode=3 (DoH).

Containers: Separate profiles for accounts/banking.

Google Purge: myaccount.google.com → Pause all Activity → Bulk delete history.

Extensions Install: uBlock > CanvasBlocker > NoScript → Tighten rules.

OS Tweaks: Disable WebRTC (about:config: media.peerconnection.enabled=false); use VM for risky sites.

Search/Email: DuckDuckGo/Startpage; ProtonMail.

Test: browserleaks.com (IP/DNS/Canvas) → EFF Cover Your Tracks (unique fingerprint <33%).

Daily: Clear cookies on exit; no sync/logins; rotate VPN servers.

This hits 90%+ evasion on clearnet w/o Tor perf hit. Mullvad Browser + VPN is my go-to.