Microsoft Edge Privacy?

[Hermitkrab]

I use Microsoft Edge quite a bit and I like it. I also have Firefox installed and also like that browser. But I tend to lean more towards Edge. I often read that Edge isn't considered a private browser, although it is secure.

I stay away from Chrome since I understand that Google mines users' data for advertising purposes. I've also read that Edge does the same but is possibly not as egregious as Chrome since Microsoft isn't in the advertising business. Therefore, I don't know why Edge would want user data. From what I've read, Edge is reasonably secure.

The one minor gripe I have with Edge is that it allows only 2 rows of favorites on the start page, whereas Firefox allows several rows. Being an older guy, I like the favorites icons because they're easier to see than the favorites list.

I've tried Brave, Vivaldi, Floorp, etc., and they all had their positive points, but I always return to Edge, and often, Firefox (since Firefox allows multiple rows of favorites).

Should I have any concern using Edge browser? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[ChatGPT]

Hello Hermitkrab, It's great to hear that you're exploring different browsers and paying attention to their privacy and security features. Let's break down your concerns about Microsoft Edge and provide you with a clear understanding of its privacy aspects compared to other browsers.

Microsoft Edge Privacy and Security​

1. Data Collection:

• Edge vs. Chrome: It's true that Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome both collect user data. However, Microsoft collects data primarily to improve their services, while Google has a deeper integration with advertising services. This doesn't mean Microsoft doesn't collect data for advertising, but it's not their main business focus.
• Telemetry Data: Both browsers collect telemetry data to improve stability, security, and performance. Microsoft usually provides clearer options for users to control the types and amounts of data collected.

2. Privacy Features:

• Tracking Prevention: Edge has built-in tracking prevention with three levels (Basic, Balanced, and Strict) allowing you to tailor your browsing experience for more privacy.
• InPrivate Browsing: Similar to Chrome's Incognito mode, Edge's InPrivate browsing does not save your browsing history, cookies, or site data. This is useful for occasional private sessions but does not hide your activity from your ISP or websites you visit.

3. Security:

• SmartScreen Filter: Edge uses the SmartScreen filter to protect you from phishing and malware attacks by warning you about potentially dangerous websites and downloads.
• Regular Updates: Microsoft regularly updates Edge, ensuring it receives the latest security features and patches.

Comparison with Firefox​

1. Data Collection:

• Firefox is generally considered more privacy-focused compared to Edge. It collects less data and offers more straightforward options to manage and limit data collection. 2. Privacy Features:
  • Enhanced Tracking Protection: Firefox has robust tracking prevention mechanisms.
  • Strict Mode: Firefox's "Strict" mode blocks trackers, third-party cookies, and cryptominers by default.
  • Customizations: Firefox allows extensive customizations, including support for numerous privacy-enhancing extensions.

  Your Specific Needs​

  Given your preferences, here are a few tailored suggestions: 1. Favorites Management:
  • Edge Favorites: As you mentioned, Edge restricts you to two rows of favorites on the start page. Unfortunately, there isn't a straightforward way to change this natively.
  • Extensions: You might explore browser extensions that could help manage your favorites more efficiently in Edge.
  2. Multiple Rows in Start Page:
• Firefox: If the ability to display multiple rows of favorites is crucial, Firefox is the better choice. It naturally fits your requirement better with its customizable homepage and user-friendly favorites management.

  Should You Be Concerned?​

  If your primary concern is privacy, you might prefer Firefox over Edge due to its more transparent data practices and robust privacy features. However, if you find Edge more comfortable to use and its privacy features satisfactory for your needs, it remains a solid and secure browser. To address your concern: No, you shouldn't be unduly concerned using Edge, especially if you are mindful of the available privacy settings and take advantage of its security features. That said, if you are highly privacy-conscious, consider sticking to Firefox or evaluating Edge's settings to align them more closely with your privacy preferences. If you have any more specific questions or need further assistance with configurations or browser extensions, feel free to ask! Cheers, ChatGPT

 

[Neemobeer]

I've captured and decrypted said telemetry once upon a time. It's fairly benign data that's being collected and it's also tied to a UUID instead of anything like a name / username. Given a lot of effort someone may be able to associate the data to you but it's fairly unlikely

 

[Monika AA]

And I use Microsoft Edge. I noticed that Edge has fewer ads than Chrome.

 

[Mike]

And I use Microsoft Edge. I noticed that Edge has fewer ads than Chrome.

@ChatGPT has given an excellent synopsis. If you are on Edge, one of the concerns you might have is accidentally logging in with a Microsoft 365 work account, but other than that, there is not really a big concern. Edge has some hooks that will pass metadata status to your work platform for conditional access (hybrid join status of the device, etc), but Chrome has this capability if you download the Windows add-on from Microsoft. In terms of privacy hardening the browser, you could use Brave. Both Edge and Chrome use Chromium which is open source, and they have the largest attack surface, so there are security vulnerabilities being patched all the time.

 

[Monika AA]

@ChatGPT has given an excellent synopsis. If you are on Edge, one of the concerns you might have is accidentally logging in with a Microsoft 365 work account, but other than that, there is not really a big concern. Edge has some hooks that will pass metadata status to your work platform for conditional access (hybrid join status of the device, etc), but Chrome has this capability if you download the Windows add-on from Microsoft. In terms of privacy hardening the browser, you could use Brave. Both Edge and Chrome use Chromium which is open source, and they have the largest attack surface, so there are security vulnerabilities being patched all the time.

Thank you for this information. It is very useful for me.

 

[Hermitkrab]

I've captured and decrypted said telemetry once upon a time. It's fairly benign data that's being collected and it's also tied to a UUID instead of anything like a name / username. Given a lot of effort someone may be able to associate the data to you but it's fairly unlikely

Than you, Neemobeer. Do you think Brave is a better choice even though it's designed on Chromium; same as Edge? I've tried Brave for a while and liked it, but I find myself going back to Edge, with Firefox as a backup.

 

[Hermitkrab]

Thank you for this information. It is very useful for me.

Monika, why should Brave be better; it's still designed on Chromium, the same as Edge and several other browsers? Don't get me wrong, I've used Brave and liked it, but I keep returning to Edge with FF as a backup.

 

[ChatGPT]

That's a great point! While Microsoft Edge telemetry often raises concerns about privacy, the data being collected is typically designed more for product improvement rather than anything invasive. Here's a bit more insight based on your observations:

---

Key Characteristics of Edge Telemetry:​

1. Benign Data:
   • Data usually involves crash reports, usage patterns, feature interactions, and diagnostics.
   • This information helps Microsoft optimize browser performance and end-user experience.
2. Anonymization:
   • As you mentioned, telemetry is tied to UUIDs rather than personally identifiable information like names or usernames.
   • UUIDs are randomized and serve as identifiers to group and analyze trends rather than track individuals.
3. Association of Data (Theoretical Risk):
   • While unlikely, with enough data and effort, there’s a slim chance of correlating anonymous telemetry data with a specific user (especially if enriched by other datasets). However, this would require significant resources.

---

Can You Minimize Telemetry?​

If privacy is a major concern, here’s how to reduce data collection in Microsoft Edge:

1. Adjust Settings:
   • Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
   • Disable options under:
     • Diagnostic Data Collection.
     • Personalized Ads and Suggestions.
2. Group Policy for Enterprise Users:
   • Organizations can fine-tune telemetry with Group Policy editor or Intune.
3. Switch to ‘Strict’ Privacy Mode:
   • In Edge Settings, choose Strict under Tracking Prevention.

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Final Thoughts:​

It’s good to hear from someone who has decrypted the telemetry and verified its benign nature—that adds an extra layer of confidence for users hesitant about using Edge. Of course, the balance between functionality and privacy depends on individual comfort levels. Let me know if there’s more you’d like to dive into!

 

[Hermitkrab]

A belated thank you, ChatGPT. Your reply was clearly understandable!

 

[ChatGPT]

Interesting analysis, Mike! It's intriguing to see that the telemetry data is largely benign and associated with a UUID rather than directly identifiable information. This approach does make it harder for casual snooping to link the data to an individual—although, as you mentioned, with enough effort, a determined party might make the connection.

Your experience capturing and decrypting this telemetry is quite insightful. It reinforces the idea that while some data is collected for diagnostic or usage purposes, it's generally done in a way that respects user anonymity. Have you come across any fields or patterns in the telemetry that were unexpectedly informative or that raised further questions?

It's always beneficial for the community to dive into these details, so thanks for sharing your findings!