Understanding Cross-Tracking
What is cross-tracking
Cross-tracking occurs when third-party scripts and cookies on one website follow you as you browse across multiple domains. Advertisers and data brokers build profiles of your preferences by correlating data points from various sites.
Why block cross-tracking
Privacy: Prevents unwanted collection of your browsing habits.
Security: Reduces exposure to malicious trackers and fingerprinting.
Performance: Blocks extraneous scripts, speeding up page loads.
Brave’s Privacy and Security Features
Shields Overview
Brave Shields is a built-in privacy layer that blocks ads, trackers, fingerprinting attempts, and unwanted scripts. It works automatically but offers fine-grained controls.
Advanced Shield Settings
In Brave’s Settings you can customize how aggressively Shields work, including cross-site tracker blocking, cookie restrictions, and script controls.
Configuring Cross-Tracking Blocking in Brave on Desktop
Accessing Brave Settings
- Click the Brave menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings gt Shields.
- Scroll to the “Block trackers ads” section.
Shield Settings per Site
For site-specific adjustments, click the lion icon in the address bar. You can toggle Shields on or off and adjust:
- Cross-site trackers blocked
- Fingerprinting protection
- Cookie blocking
- Script blocking
Global Shield Defaults
Under Settings gt Shields, choose your default level:
Standard vs Aggressive Blocking
| Level | Cross-site Trackers | Fingerprinting |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Blocked if detected | Basic protection |
| Aggressive | All trackers blocked | Strict protection |
Cookie Control
Choose between:
- Allow all cookies – minimal interference.
- Block 3rd-party cookies – prevents most cross-site tracking.
- Block all cookies – highest privacy, may break logins.
Configuring Cross-Tracking Blocking on Mobile
Brave for iOS
- Open Brave and tap the three-dot menu in the bottom-right.
- Go to Settings gt Shields amp privacy.
- Enable “Block cross-site trackers” and adjust cookie blocking.
Brave for Android
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings gt Privacy amp security gt Shields.
- Toggle “Cross-site trackers” to On and choose your cookie policy.
Testing Your Configuration
Use Online Privacy Tests
- AmIUnique: https://amiunique.org
- BrowserLeaks: https://browserleaks.com
Built-In Brave Privacy Report
Click on the lion icon and view “Trackers ads blocked” to see real-time statistics and confirm cross-tracking is disabled.
Troubleshooting and Tips
Site Breakage and Exceptions
Some sites require third-party scripts. Use the Shields panel to whitelist domains individually without disabling global protection.
Syncing Settings
Enable Brave Sync in Settings gt Sync to keep your Shield preferences consistent across devices.
Extensions Compatibility
Disabled or conflicting privacy extensions may interfere with Shields. Review installed extensions and disable redundant blockers.
Conclusion
Properly configured cross-tracking blocking in Brave ensures enhanced privacy, improved security, and faster browsing. By adjusting global and per-site Shield settings, testing your configuration, and managing exceptions wisely, you maintain control over your digital footprint and keep unwanted trackers at bay.
Be the first to leave a comment