"Privacy/Security" addons ... wait a sec ... this be not rite?
I asked a few "security/privacy" addon creators this question: "
Hail all:
First off, a note to explain this post: I have severe Asperger's and ADHD. I work for a Corporation that handles delicate data. Now, my Asperger's requires clarity, but this ad-on is all BUT clear. Which is a serious annoyance, since, more and more, life is becoming unclear, due to continuous contradictions everywhere. More so ... it, at first glance, appears to be not quite right: The ad-on promises security and privacy, BUUUUUT ... does seemingly the absolute opposite? Let me explain:
So, I got the Multi-Account Container ad-on. Upon installing it, it requested:
Access your data for all web sites Access browsing history Monitor extension usage and manage themes Access browser tabs
Why on earth are these needed? Now, you speak of privacy, security, all very nice, but then you throw these "necessities" in the ad-on, which totally counter the promised privacy, security and whatnot.
I have certain data that I access through the Private Window in Firefox, related to my work. Several tabs are Corporate Account information, log ins, ... , which I darn sure refuse to give out. Not to mention, Corporate project data.
Your "necessities" breach privacy, security, and even invoke the possibility of personal data theft, bank data theft, and even, indeed so, Corporate espionage!
1) Access data for all websites: Why not just ask the darn info directly? I will open the Corporation for you, give you all access keys. Way faster. 2) Access browsing history: If you need money, just ask ... I do not like my data shoved out for money so they can "offer targetted advertising". I HATE advertising, each ad I encounter brings my IQ down by 10 %, because my poor dumb brain can't understand the stream of lies in those. Also: you have no rights to dive into my history data, it is "private" for a reason, protected by LAW. This then breaches these Privacy Laws. 3) Monitor extension usage and manage themes: Oh? Am I per chance a COMPLETE idiot? That I can't read, or think? I am quite sure, I am just clever enough to handle this myself, I reckon. Could be wrong, but then there's google and the likes to help me out, in case I do not find the right colour and icon for my tab. 4) Access Browser Tabs: Here's a smarter idea, I think ... well, for as far as I CAN think, seeing the above uncalled for "assistance" provided: Come to my place and have my computer. Direct access thus no need to do all that network doing thingy needed for remote Browser Access.
Sorry for appearing angry, but these kinds of "necessities to ensure the ad-on to work". This ad-on can just as well work without these "kindly offered assist tools". So why are they in here, while you provide your ad-on as a means to secure and privatise my data?
I would appreciate some information here. Thank you."
I received no reply yet, though I asked 11 creators nigh 2 weeks ago. Seems ... fishy ... no? I mean, can someone give an explanation on this?
Thank you. Ben
Chosen solution
"It can block certain cookies and web requests from Facebook". This is handled by my Adblocker. Or do I miss something here, sir?
I mean it can block specific domains in some containers, but allow it in a different container. You can't achieve it with your Adblocker.
"They don't want to spam your history" I do not understand the code, sir. Could you elaborate on this? Also, they can view it, but not in Private Mode? (Asking as the above seems to function this way, for clarity.)
No, they can't view your history at all. The permission is needed to resolve specific issues with history being spammed.
"This extension creates and closes tabs." Asperger's: I am a control nut. I really prefer to do this myself ... is that weird, sir?
But you're doing it by yourself. You're pressing buttons and menu items, what invokes specific actions from this add-on (for instance creating tabs).
Now, this was addressed at Multi-Account Container, but I sent the same (largely) to other security/privacy addon makers.
They aren't obligated to answer it, I guess they're busy.
Read this answer in context 👍 1All Replies (4)
I think that you're overreacting with this one. This extension is perfectly fine.
I have certain data that I access through the Private Window in Firefox, related to my work.
This extension doesn't work in the Private Window.
Your corporation can analyze the source code of it here: https://github.com/mozilla/multi-account-containers
Access your data for all web sites
It's needed to read, modify and block host data, such as cookies and webRequests. For instance it can block cookies and web requests from Facebook.
Access browsing history
They don't want to spam your history, sometimes they do sth like this:browser.history.deleteUrl({url: confirmUrl});
Monitor extension usage and manage themes
You can select specific theme for containers in addon's settings.
Access browser tabs
This extension creates and closes tabs. It can close a specific tab and reopen it in a different container.
That's it. There's no any conspiracy here.
Thank you, sir. Now, this was addressed at Multi-Account Container, but I sent the same (largely) to other security/privacy addon makers.
"This extension doesn't work in the Private Window." I have not come across this information in my search. Thank you.
"It can block certain cookies and web requests from Facebook". This is handled by my Adblocker. Or do I miss something here, sir?
"They don't want to spam your history" I do not understand the code, sir. Could you elaborate on this? Also, they can view it, but not in Private Mode? (Asking as the above seems to function this way, for clarity.)
"You can select specific theme for containers in addon's settings." "Monitor extension usage" is the part that rubbed me the wrong way, sir. Why does it need to be monitored? o_O Bizarre ... to my Asperger's brain. Maybe worded wrongly by them, to me, it looks like they can call up my Corporate information this away?
"This extension creates and closes tabs." Asperger's: I am a control nut. I really prefer to do this myself ... is that weird, sir?
Thank you for the information given. If you would be so kind to answer the few new ones, clarify them, rather? I would be darn grateful, good sir. :)
Chosen Solution
"It can block certain cookies and web requests from Facebook". This is handled by my Adblocker. Or do I miss something here, sir?
I mean it can block specific domains in some containers, but allow it in a different container. You can't achieve it with your Adblocker.
"They don't want to spam your history" I do not understand the code, sir. Could you elaborate on this? Also, they can view it, but not in Private Mode? (Asking as the above seems to function this way, for clarity.)
No, they can't view your history at all. The permission is needed to resolve specific issues with history being spammed.
"This extension creates and closes tabs." Asperger's: I am a control nut. I really prefer to do this myself ... is that weird, sir?
But you're doing it by yourself. You're pressing buttons and menu items, what invokes specific actions from this add-on (for instance creating tabs).
Now, this was addressed at Multi-Account Container, but I sent the same (largely) to other security/privacy addon makers.
They aren't obligated to answer it, I guess they're busy.
Thank you. Very much appreciated. Appreciate the clarity, and patience! :)