Ken April 26, 2011 17:13

Is there a test for effectiveness of tracker blockers?

There are good websites that can verify that browser plug-ins, virus scanners, firewall software, etc. are working correctly.

For instance, you can go to ShieldsUp! (https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2) to test your firewall, and Scanit (http://bcheck.scanit.be/bcheck/index.php) to test browser security.

Is there a website that can do a scan or "challenge" test to verify how well a browser is protected against the actions of web bugs and placement of tracking cookies?

I believe the Scanit page does attempt to place tracking cookies (at least when checking Internet Explorer), but is there a website that is specifically intended to check the effectiveness of Firefox add-ons like Ghostery, BetterPrivacy, TrackerBlock, etc.?

Ideally the website would run a scan and generate a report on what was scanned and which aspects of the test were passed or failed.

Thanks!
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  • CHAMP
    Felix Shnir April 27, 2011 18:17
    Hi Ken, thanks for posting here.

    We do not currently offer something like that, nor do I know of a good site that would test the "defenses" put up by browser addons such as Ghostery, but its such a good idea that we will look into creating something like this. Stay tuned.
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    • Eric P. Scott April 27, 2011 22:13
      If these companies have pledged to behave responsibly (and there's a trusted third party monitoring compliance) and I accept that they're not the enemy, I should be able to say: this identifiable class meets my criteria for unblocking. You are not making that decision for me; you're just making it easier to make the selections I want. I'm not blocking everyone because I think they're all evil; I'm blocking everyone because it's just too difficult and time-consuming to step through hundreds of undifferentiated choices, one at a time.

      Think of this as akin to voting for candidates for minor offices in a general election. If you don't know who they are, or what they stand for, having party affiliation appear on the ballot provides some indication as to whether their principles are likely to align with yours.

      I think displaying logos would empower users. A hide/show checkbox should neutralize any complaints about visual clutter.


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