Guide | How To How to configure Firefox to stop data leakage

[Petrovic]

This list aims to block core Firefox features which actively leak data to third-party services (as opposed to attempts of sites to track you or otherwise passively collect information). As it isn't always easy to draw a strict line, the most critical passive data faucets like WebRTC are also mentioned.

To disable specific functionality open about:config and change the value to false.

Google Safe Browsing

Leaks the browsing history to Google. Note that disabling Safe Browsing exposes you to a risk of not being stopped from visiting malicious or phishing sites.

browser.safebrowsing.enabled
browser.safebrowsing.downloads.enabled
browser.safebrowsing.malware.enabled

Firefox stats collecting

Stability and performance reports.

datareporting.healthreport.service.enabled
datareporting.healthreport.uploadEnabled

Usage statistics.

toolkit.telemetry.enabled

Encrypted Media Extensions (DRM)

A binary plugin (closed-source) is shipped with Firefox since v38. It enables playback of encrypted media and lets you use e.g. Netflix without Microsoft Silverlight. To completely remove the plugin you would have to install an EME-free build of Firefox.

media.eme.enabled
media.gmp-eme-adobe.enabled

Firefox Hello
Firefox connects to third-party (Telefonica) servers without asking for permission.

loop.enabled


Pocket integration
A third-party service for managing a reading list of articles.

browser.pocket.enabled


Search suggestions
Everything you type in the search box is sent to the search engine. Suggestions based on local history will still work.

browser.search.suggest.enabled


WebRTC
Leaks the real IP when using VPN/TOR. Description and demo

media.peerconnection.enabled

Geolocation

geo.enabled

Full Article

 

[WinXPert]

Checking Firefox... only this one is disabled

toolkit.telemetry.enabled

 

[shukla44]

Checked firefox. Everything is disabled, except -

Google safe browsing
Search suggestions (duckduckgo)
EME (DRM)

I think they are alright.

 

[uninfected1]

Checked firefox. Everything is disabled, except -

Google safe browsing

I think they are alright.

I guess it's a trade-off between security and privacy. Like you I've kept Google Safe Browsing enabled because I'd rather be protected from malicious sites at the expense of a degree of privacy. I've made all the other changes the article suggests.

 

[porkpiehat]

or you could just use the 'Privacy Settings' addon... everything in one place, with preset privacy and security settings

Privacy Settings