Private browsing

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Private Browsing in Firefox 113

Private browsing is a feature found in most modern web browsers that allows users to browse the Internet without storing any information about which websites and pages they have visited. This mode is also known as incognito mode or privacy mode.

Functionality

When private browsing is enabled, the browser does not save browsing history, cookies, site data, or information entered in forms. However, files downloaded and bookmarks created will be kept. Private browsing is useful for various purposes, such as preventing others who share the same computer from seeing one's browsing activity, conducting confidential research, or accessing multiple accounts simultaneously.

How It Works

Private browsing works by creating a temporary session that is isolated from the main browsing session. This session is not recorded in the browser's history and is deleted once the private window is closed. While private browsing can prevent local data storage, it does not make the user anonymous on the Internet. Internet service providers (ISPs), employers, and websites can still track user activity.

Limitations

Private browsing has several limitations:

• It does not hide the user's IP address.
• It does not prevent tracking by ISPs or websites.
• It does not protect against malware or phishing attacks.
• It does not encrypt traffic; for that, a VPN is required.

Popular Browsers with Private Browsing

• Google Chrome: Incognito Mode
• Mozilla Firefox: Private Browsing
• Microsoft Edge: InPrivate Browsing
• Safari: Private Browsing
• Opera: Private Mode

Use Cases

Private browsing is commonly used for:

• Shopping for gifts on a shared computer
• Accessing multiple email accounts simultaneously
• Researching sensitive topics
• Testing websites without affecting cookies and cache

Related Pages

• Web browser
• Internet privacy
• Virtual Private Network
• Cookies
• Browsing history
• Incognito mode

See Also

• Internet security
• Data privacy
• Anonymous browsing