CNET Editors' note: The Download Now link will prompt a local download of the Firefox extension. To install the extension directly, open the file using your Firefox browser.
CNET Editors' review
If ad blocking is the hacksaw of Internet-protecting add-ons, Do Not Track Plus (DNT+) is a finely honed katana, slicing out tracking behaviors embedded in sites without destroying the modern Web.
Do Not Track Plus extends your privacy
It's cross-browser and cross-platform, and will work in Firefox, Chrome, IE, and Safari. An Opera version is in the works. DNT+ blocks sites and ads from tracking you, unless you give them explicit permission to do so. For most sites, it actually rebuilds tools like social-networking buttons on the fly so you can still get your social on without sacrificing privacy or site load times. It also blocks ad networks and companies from following you around the Web.
DNT+ installs as a browser toolbar button. The icon reflects the number of tracking blocks against the site you're viewing. Click the button and a drop-down window appears with trackers separated into three categories: social buttons, ad networks, and companies. If there's something marked verboten that you want back, like a Twitter button, clicking it will resurrect it. Otherwise, the links at the bottom of each section take you to sites that explain what the add-on is doing and why it's doing it. This is smart, helpful stuff.
Do Not Track Plus protects your privacy as you bop around the Web, and lets you toggle those protections on the fly.
(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)The interface is clean if a bit cluttered with the verbiage necessary to explain what it's actually doing. The add-on's On/Off button could be bigger, too. Its features work well, with no noticeable lag times when loading sites. In fact, the only feature hang-up was that on some sites, the social networking buttons weren't re-rendered. It's easy enough to go into the add-on and reactivate them, but it is an imperfect implementation of a core feature.
If you're aware of the serious privacy risks on the Internet today, but looking for something more nuanced than an ad blocker or JavaScript killer that still lets you experience the modern Web, Do Not Track Plus lives up to its value-added name.
Publisher's Description
From Abine:
Do Not Track Plus blocks web beacons and other tracking technologies that advertisers use to track your browsing behavior. Easily see what trackers are in use at each website you visit and block any or all of them.
What's new in this version: Version 2.2.0.514 adds better blocking, an improved UI that makes it easy to customize settings, medals you earn as a fun reward for blocking tracking attempts and a number of bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.4 starsout of 118 votes
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Current version:
4.8 starsout of 5 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-5 of 5
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"WORKS VERY WELL"
Version: Do Not Track Plus for Firefox 2.2.0.514
Pros
EASY TO INSTALL AND UPDATE
Cons
NONE THAT HAVE APPEARED TO ME
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"Does the job"
Version: Do Not Track Plus for Firefox 2.2.0.514
Pros
I like the way it warns if you are doing something that would allow sites to follow you.
Cons
Haven't found any yet.
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"Great program"
Version: Do Not Track Plus for Firefox 2.2.0.514
Pros
Does everything required
Cons
Haven't found any
Summary
A necessary addition for people on the web d'-)
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"I can't imagine not using this add-on!"
Version: Do Not Track Plus for Firefox 2.2.0.514
Pros
Well, duh, it's the easiest way I've found to limit my "exposure" on the web. Many folks apparently don't care about that (social networking and all), but some of us do.
Cons
Once in a while, seldom, I have to disable DNT+ to get a page or a function on a page to work. For instance, on CNN I have to disable DNT+ if I want to comment on an article. Not a big deal.
Summary
It seems to help, as I've noticed fewer ads that seem to be aimed directly at me. That's good. I like to keep a low profile.
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"Will I think in is working"
Version: Do Not Track Plus for Firefox 2.2.0.514
Pros
it runs in the background
Cons
dos't have any that I know of
Results 1-5 of 5
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