Popular Mobile Browsers Chrome and Safari Exposed as Data Hungry

Data Privacy Alert: Popular Mobile Browsers Under Scrutiny for Excessive Data Collection-A recent study by Surfshark reveals that the most widely used mobile web browsers, Google Chrome and Apple Safari, are also among the most aggressive in collecting user data. The research, which analyzed download statistics from AppMagic, indicates that Chrome and Safari together account for a staggering 90% of global mobile browser downloads.

The analysis, however, raises significant privacy concerns. Google Chrome leads the pack by collecting 20 different types of user data, including sensitive information such as contact details, location, browsing history, user content, and uniquely, payment methods, card numbers, and bank account details. Surfshark acknowledges that Chrome's storage of financial information is partly due to users' option to save it for transaction convenience.

Microsoft's Bing follows Chrome, gathering 12 types of data, while Pi Browser collects nine. Safari and Firefox share the fourth position, each collecting eight data types. In contrast, privacy-focused browsers like Brave and Tor collect significantly less data, with Brave limited to identifiers and usage data, and Tor collecting no data at all.

The study also highlights the types of data collected, with Pi Browser, Edge, and Bing identified as the most intensive collectors of tracking data, which is often shared with third parties for targeted advertising. Specifically, Pi Browser collects browsing history, search history, device ID, product interaction, and advertisement data, while Edge collects customer support request data, and Bing collects user ID data.

In terms of market share, Safari holds a dominant 50% share in the US, with Chrome at 43%. The UK market mirrors this trend, with Chrome at 47% and Safari at 43%.

The findings emphasize the importance of user awareness and proactive measures to protect online privacy. Users concerned about data collection may consider exploring privacy-focused browsers or utilizing tools like VPNs to enhance their online security.