A new feature for Android devices, which lets users block third-party trackers in all of their apps, launches from DuckDuckGo.
The App Tracking Protection will increase users' privacy throughout Android's operating systems by blocking tracking scripts from other apps, Bleeping Computer writes.
The Open Beta Version Offers Users More Transparency Over The Closed Beta Version
Android users have an average of 35 apps installed on their devices, which generates thousands of tracking attempts daily.
Because of this, DuckDuckGo launches its App Tracking protection feature that promises to block all background tracking attempts while users browse the internet or play games.
The third-party tracking blockers do not cause a noticeable impact on the performance of the Android devices, which was an improvement from the previous beta version of it.
The App Tracking Protection blocks trackers from a constantly updated and growing list, which is apart from the tracking request dialogs users consented to, The Verge notes.
DuckDuckGo for Android is a web browser focused on maintaining the privacy of searches and data, which has already been downloaded by millions of users worldwide.
Aside from the new App Tracking Protection feature, privacy and security features on the browser include search anonymity, hidden tracker blocking, and email tracking protection among others.
To get the new feature on Android devices, users have to follow these steps:
Launch the DuckDuckGo app
Go to the Settings
Choose More from DuckDuckGo
Allow App Tracking Protection.
It will work by configuring DuckDuckGo for Android as a VPN, which lets the app filter traffic from other apps and block trackers as well.
Once the app is allowed to function as a VPN, it will provide users with a regularly updated summary of blocked app trackers to let them know what trackers are blocked and what type of data they target.
However, Bleeping Computer emphasizes that it is important for users to remember that the app is still running as beta, which may cause apps or sites to malfunction and leave some trackers undetected.
Read More: DuckDuckGo's Email Protection Service Now Available for Everyone to Use
DuckDuckGo Has Been Developing The App Tracking Protection Feature Since 2021
This feature that aims to block trackers from accessing data on Android devices was first unveiled at the end of last year.
It was being developed through a private waitlist for closed beta testing, but developers have since rolled out the beta feature openly for other users.
The App Tracking Protection allows users to know what personal data is collected by trackers, such as users' precise location, age, and digital fingerprints.
According to The Verge, one out of ten apps on the Android user's device collect personal data like location, email address, phone number, time zone, and device information.
This type of information can be sold to data brokers, advertisers, and governments, and can also be used by companies to curate specific ad profiles for users.
While DuckDuckGo for Android's App Tracking Protection feature seems similar to Apple's App Tracking Transparency, VP of Communications Kamyl Bazbaz says that it is better than what is on iOS.
Should users want to get the beta of the App Tracking Protection, they can follow the steps previously stated in this article, or download it from this link.
Related Article: DuckDuckGo Browser is Available to Mac Users for Public Beta Testing
