- Yandex, Edge, and Chrome are the most data-hungry mobile browsers
- Yandex even collects in-app messages, warns Surfshark's latest report
- Surfshark recommends switching to safer alternatives
If you frequently use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Yandex on your mobile device, it may be time to reconsider your choices. A recent report from Surfshark identifies these mobile browsers as the most aggressive data collectors, posing significant risks to your privacy.
Surfshark analyzed the data handling practices of the 15 most popular mobile browsers, focusing on their privacy policies available on the Google Play Store.
The findings revealed that Chrome and Edge ranked second and third, respectively, in terms of data collection, gathering 20 and 19 out of 38 possible types of user data. Yandex led the pack with 25 types of data collected, including user photos, audio recordings, browsing history, and payment information.
Both Yandex and Chrome also track location data, while Edge and Yandex access user files and documents.
Worryingly, Yandex users, particularly in Russia, India, and Brazil, are at a heightened risk of extensive data harvesting, with the browser even accessing in-app messages and personal chats.
Chrome, which is used by 70% of internet users globally, continues to tarnish its reputation as a data-unfriendly browser. Previous studies indicated that its iOS app version collects over three times more data than its competitors.
What Happens to Your Data?
Developers of these browsers claim that data collection is intended to enhance app functionality, including personalization and fraud prevention, according to Surfshark.
However, browsers like Yandex, Microsoft Edge, and Aloha admit to sharing significant amounts of data with third parties, which may include payment details, precise location, user IDs, and app interactions.
In the best-case scenario, this data collection is used to create advertising profiles and deliver personalized offers.
"Collected user data enables companies to build digital profiles, predict user behavior, and tailor pricing, ads, or offers accordingly," explains Justas Pukys, senior product manager at Surfshark.
Browsing habits can also expose sensitive information such as health issues, financial status, and political views—details many prefer to keep private.
Unfortunately, Surfshark's data indicates that only two out of ten individuals consider themselves 'privacy policy conscious,' increasing the risk of losing control over their data usage.
In the worst-case scenario, sensitive information could be compromised during a third-party breach, making browser-derived identifiers highly valuable to attackers.
Last year, the UK faced significant data breaches, with customer identification data being the most frequently exposed category, according to recent trends reported by IBM.
How to Protect Your Browsing Privacy
In this environment, selecting a mobile browser that prioritizes privacy is crucial, and fortunately, there are many alternatives available.
According to Surfshark, Ecosia collects only four types of data, Samsung Internet browser collects just two, while Brave, Mi Browser, and Tor collect no user data at all, ensuring minimal privacy risk.
If switching isn't an option, Surfshark recommends sharing as little personal data as possible, regularly reviewing your browser app permissions, and using a password manager to safeguard your account credentials.
Lastly, it's advisable to always use a VPN for an additional layer of security on your mobile device—something we wholeheartedly endorse. You'll be grateful when the next data breach occurs.
