TL;DR -
Cross-site tracking uses browser cookies to follow users across websites, enabling personalized experiences but also raising significant privacy concerns. While some browsers like Firefox block it by default, users of Chrome and Safari must manually adjust their privacy settings to prevent tracking. This article explains what cross-site tracking is and provides step-by-step instructions for disabling it across major browsers and mobile devices.
How Does Cross-Site Tracking Work?
Cross-site tracking allows a company (like Facebook) to follow you as you move through the web. Information gathered via cross-site tracking could make your browsing experience customized and meaningful. But the same technology could feel intrusive or awkward.
For example, your niece's birthday is coming up, and she loves Hello Kitty. You searched for the perfect gift on Amazon. Now, you see Hello Kitty ads on every website you visit, including those you use for work.
Disabling cross-site tracking means companies can't gather this data. Make it happen in a few simple steps.
What is cross-site tracking?
Most of us (about 80 percent, researchers say) want website customization. When we arrive, we want to see things that matter to us. Cross-site tracking makes that possible.
How do tracking cookies work?
To enable cross-site tracking, a company puts a tiny cookie on your browser after a visit. That cookie remains active as you zoom through the web. Personal data (like your name or address) might be excluded. But the cookie has enough information about you to track you over time.
Privacy risks are real. Companies are following you, even if you didn't want them to, and they're gathering up information to make their products better.
How do you disable cross-site tracking?
Companies want your data, but you're not required to hand it out. You can change your settings and block this functionality.
| Browser | Tracking Blocked by Default? | Where to Find the Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome | No | Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and Other Site Data |
| Safari | No | Preferences > Privacy > Prevent cross-site tracking |
| Firefox | Yes (default) | Use Private Browsing for enhanced protection |
How do I disable cross-site tracking in Chrome?
Disable cross-site tracking in Chrome by:
- Tapping the three horizontal buttons in the top-right corner of your screen.
- Tapping "Settings," and scrolling to "Privacy and Security."
- Tapping "Cookies and Other Site Data," and selecting the "Do not track" slider.
How do I disable cross-site tracking in Safari?
Disable cross-site tracking in Safari by:
- Choosing "Preferences."
- Tapping "Privacy."
- Selecting "Prevent cross-site tracking."
How do I disable cross-site tracking in Firefox?
Cross-site tracking is enabled in Firefox by default. If you're using this browser, you already have protections. Do even more with private browsing:
- Tap "Menu."
- Tap "New private window."
What about cross-site tracking on mobile devices?
If you surf the web with your mobile device, sites could track you with cookies here too. Every phone and web browser is different, and it's not efficient to explain all of the myriad methods you could use to eliminate the risk. In general, head to "Settings" on your phone, look for your web browser, and look for a slider or button involving cross-site tracking.
Some companies, including Google, are changing the way they handle cookies. Read up on how Chrome 80 might change your cookies for good on our blog.
Frequently asked questions
Is cross-site tracking the same as being hacked?
No. Cross-site tracking is a legal practice where companies use cookies to follow your browsing activity across websites. While it raises privacy concerns, it is distinct from hacking or unauthorized data breaches. However, the data collected can still feel intrusive.
Does disabling cross-site tracking break website functionality?
In most cases, disabling cross-site tracking will not break core website functionality. It primarily affects personalized advertising and some customization features, such as remembering your preferences across different sites.
Is cross-site tracking automatically blocked on any browser?
Yes. Firefox blocks cross-site tracking by default, so users of that browser already have baseline protections in place. Chrome and Safari require users to manually adjust their privacy settings to prevent tracking.
Can cross-site tracking happen on my phone?
Yes. Mobile browsers can also use cookies to track you across sites. To reduce this risk, navigate to your phone's Settings, find your web browser app, and look for a cross-site tracking or 'Do Not Track' toggle.
What information does a tracking cookie actually collect?
A tracking cookie typically does not store personal details like your name or address. Instead, it records behavioral data — such as which sites you visit and what you click on — that is sufficient to build a profile of your interests over time.
Are companies changing how they use tracking cookies?
Yes. Some companies, including Google, have been updating their approach to cookies. For example, changes introduced with Chrome 80 affected how cookies are classified and shared across sites, signaling a broader industry shift in how cross-site tracking is handled.
References
Personalizing the Customer Experience: Driving Differentiation in Retail. (April 2020). McKinsey and Company.
Prevent Cross-Site Tracking in Safari on Mac. Apple.
Private Browsing: Use Firefox Without Saving History. Mozilla.
Turn "Do Not Track" On or Off. Google Chrome.
