As we navigate through the web,
browser
security
and
privacy
are paramount. One
Chrome extension
that has been under the spotlight for its contribution to
privacy
settings is Protect My Choices. With an aggregate rating of 3.55 out of 5, this top
Chrome extension
is designed to enhance your
online privacy
by allowing you to opt-out of interest-based advertising. But does it live up to its promises? Let's delve into its features, user feedback, and effectiveness based on user sentiments and reviews.
User Feedback and Features
Going through user reviews, it's clear that Protect My Choices has elicited mixed reactions. Some users like Tony Cassio and Simon Ivanov have praised the extension, finding it useful in enhancing their
Chrome privacy settings
. One of the main features that stand out in this
Chrome
privacy
extension is the ability to opt-out from interest-based advertising from participating companies. Once installed, this extension enables users to still receive online advertising, but without the personal targeting aspect.
The Mixed Reviews Phenomenon
On the other side of the spectrum, users like Tech Queen and John Spalvins seem less than satisfied. Their main issue revolves around the extension not working as advertised. Some users have reported that the extension doesn't seem to protect their choices effectively, as they still receive interest-based ads despite having opted out. Others have even gone ahead to recommend other privacy tools like Ghostery and uBlock Origin as more effective alternatives for browser privacy settings adjustment.
Understanding the Operation of Protect My Choices
While there is a clear divide in user opinion, it's important to understand how Protect My Choices operates. The extension works by setting opt-out cookies for participating companies. It is important to note that it doesn't block ads, but rather removes the personalized aspect of these ads. This aspect could explain why some users still find themselves targeted by these ads.
Is Protect My Choices Worth It?
When it comes to online safety and secure browsing, the choice of tools is crucial. Protect My Choices might not be suitable for everyone, but it does provide an additional layer of online privacy, especially for those who want to avoid personalized ads. Despite the mixed reviews, it's easy to see why the extension holds a 3.55 rating. Its unique approach to online privacy, coupled with the convenience of a Chrome extension, makes it a worthwhile tool for internet users keen on enhancing their browser privacy settings.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Protect My Choices is a valuable player in the realm of Chrome privacy extensions. While it may not satisfy everyone's needs, it provides a straightforward method for users wanting to opt out of interest-based advertising, contributing to secure browsing and online privacy. So if you're in search of a Chrome extension that enhances your privacy settings, Protect My Choices could be worth considering.
10 Reviews For This Extension
I loaded Ghostery and I can't see that it does anything either.
Doesn't actually do any thing...and I went through the headache of doing all the extra items required before hand on this one, as well as two others -IBA opt out (google) and Goggle Analytics opt out. to ensure that once the exention was loaded it sites would respect things. But nope. Neither one of these do anything. However I found one that DOES work - Ghostery - It Blocks Ads, trackers, you name it perfectly. Even hyperlinks from pages I normally use are sent to a Ghostery page telling you that this is a redirect and may not be safe etc....Didnt expect that. Best thing is when you can click on the extension settings of Ghostery you can SEE the details of what is being blocked--right down to the name, url etc.... Of course you can also edit settings per site as needed. It was free, but at this point I will buy the full pro version. Since it's the first extension that actually protects tracking, ads, and all that garbage that is all over webpages. Amusing part? The stuff that this "Protect my choices" was supposed to block or protect? Was in the Ghostery items. LOL Even after I had specifically stated to be opted out of all that stuff.
It`s very good! thanks!
Doesn't work.
I find it really doesn't work as advertised
Perhaps I don't understand what this extension is actually supposed to do, but I use on average 8-12 browsers from Google across 5 devices (all synced) and still get interest-based ads even though I have it checked to opt-out in my settings in my profile, and every single time I update anything, unsync/resync to my account, essentially make any change to any one of my browsers, besides finding that my account "mysteriously" has opt-out disabled once again, Google Ad Settings (YourAdChoices/IBA) seems to think that all 126 or 128 companies listed seems to think that I wish to "Customize Ads for My Browser". As an experiment, I've gone in to the Ad settings on every single browser on a very regular basis, and most of the time, I'm "magically" unchosen to opt-out once again. Personally uBlock Origin id the only solution I've discovered that has an actual effect on my browsing experience with Chrome.
it doesn't work.
"Opt out requests for 35 participating companies were successful" ...out of 114. "Opt-out requests for 79 participating companies were not completed." It's the same kind of result every time I update choices. The numbers vary slightly but 2/3 of the so-called " participating companies " are not really participating. I have noticed no improvement with it installed. My best guess is that the so-called " participating companies " are not advertising very much, at least not at the sites I visit. After 3 attempts, again, for the THIRD update, it still failed on 2/3 of the companies. I don't have the time or patience for this nonsense. =>Removed.
Just doesnt work, a waste of time. I still need to go in an manually check all the time.
This is great!!!!