Easyprivacy and NoScript

[Nickkr]

Hey guys. I'm playing around with these addons.

My understanding is that EasyPrivacy prevents the browser's request for tracking things from even leaving the browser? I read online that EasyPrivacy prevents Google Analytics from tracking you, so I'll use this as an example. Even with EasyPrivacy engaged, Google Analytics still shows up in NoScript as an item that can be manipulated.

I'm just trying to understand these things. If the request is blocked from leaving the browser, what exactly is NoScript offering when it lists Google Analytics in its list of scripts? I thought if it doesn't leave the browser, then the script wouldn't be present on the webpage I view. Yet when it show in NoScript this makes me think it is present on the webpage I'm viewing.

[Michael]

EasyPrivacy is unable to block Google Analytics due to the large number of false positives that the filter causes.

[IceDogg]

Just to add, that will also be blocked (and breaking some site's functionality) by NoScript.

[Ares2]

For clarification, the actual Google Analytics tracking is still blocked with EasyPrivacy, just the script itself isn't blocked.

To block the script as well, you can add the following rule ("ABP" icon -> Preferences -> Add filter -> Enter the rule -> OK). As mentioned, it might cause some sites not to work properly (some facebook apps and few Google sites like http://desktop.google.com/ are among the most popular examples):

Code: Select all

||google-analytics.com^$third-party

[Nickkr]

Thanks guys. I'm not trying to block it, just trying to understand. Perhaps Google Analytics wasn't a good choice for an example.

Is it safe to assume that if something is being blocked from even being requested by the browser, then it won't show up in the NoScript List? Would running NoScript achieve the same privacy function as EasyPrivacy delivers? My understanding is that NoScript can block webbugs etc. These are the kinds of things that EasyPrivacy blocks right? Is there any literature that goes into some kind of detail about what exactly Easyprivacy blocks and the benefits of this in web browsing? thanks.

[Michael]

What EasyPrivacy blocks is determined by our policy, which is located at https://easylist.adblockplus.org/en/policy#easyprivacy. Generally, we attempt to remove all items that collect user information by specifically filtering the unwanted content, while NoScript blocks practically all scripts by default. However, the latter add-on also prevents embedded scripts from running, a feature which Adblock Plus does not have.

I do not use NoScript and am therefore unable to comment on the interoperability of the extensions.

[Alan]

Many other people use both ABP and NS, Nick. They complement each other.

Is it safe to assume that if something is being blocked from even being requested by the browser, then it won't show up in the NoScript List?

It will still show up in the NoScript list even if it's blocked by ABP, but the script won't be downloaded or executed if it's blocked by ABP.

Would running NoScript achieve the same privacy function as EasyPrivacy delivers?

No. ABP with EasyList&EasyPrivacy is better. The lists target almost all privacy concerns associated with external sites.

My understanding is that NoScript can block webbugs etc.

That's a common misunderstanding. It only blocks web bugs found in <noscript> tags. It doesn't provide the level of coverage that ABP can.
http://noscript.net/features#options

Forbid "Web Bugs" blocks Web Bugs (tracking images) found inside <noscript> tags, used as a (less effective) fall-back to spy on user's behavior when scripts are not available.

I use ABP for ad blocking and privacy, NoScript for the security and other features it provides.

Hope this helps.