Internet, Networking, & Security > Browsers

What Is 'Do Not Track' and How Do I Use It?

Retain your privacy when surfing the web

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Updated on July 9, 2020

Online advertisers depend on tracking data to target their advertisements and marketing campaigns. This tracking data is mostly made up of cookies, browsing history, location information, and other details that are often shared without users knowing.

Much like there is a Do Not Call registry for telemarketers, internet users can request websites to withhold data from marketers, advertisers, and other prying eyes.

Do Not Track

Do Not Track is a privacy preference available in most web browsers, including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.

This setting is an HTTP header field presented by a web browser to websites. The DNT header communicates to servers that a user reflects one of three value commands:

Value 1: The user does not want to be tracked (opt-out).
Value 2: The user consents to being tracked (opt-in).
Null Value: The user has not set the tracking option.

There is currently no law mandating advertisers to abide by users' Do Not Track preferences. However, sites may choose to honor the preference based on the value set in this field. You can research which sites honor Do Not Track by reviewing their privacy policies.

Set Up Do Not Track in Firefox

Here's how to set the Do Not Track preference value in Mozilla Firefox:

Select the three-line menu icon in the upper-right corner and then select Settings. Alternatively, select Firefox from the menu bar and then select Preferences.
Select Privacy & Security from the menu on the left side.
Under the Browser Privacy section, select the Always option for Send websites a "Do Not Track" signal that you don't want to be tracked.

Firefox also offers a number of website-specific tracker protections you can adjust in this section.

Set Up Do Not Track in Chrome

Here's how to set the Do Not Track preference value in Google Chrome:

In the upper-right corner of the browser, select the Chrome menu, indicated by three vertical dots.
Select Settings.
Select Privacy and security from the menu on the left.
Under the Privacy and Security section, select the drop-down arrow next to Cookies and other site data.
Toggle Send a Do Not Track request with your browsing traffic to On.
A message asks you to confirm the setting and to acknowledge its limitations. Select Confirm.

Set Up Do Not Track in Safari

Here's how to set the Do Not Track preference value in Apple Safari:

From the menu bar, select Safari > Preferences.
Select the Privacy tab.
Select the Prevent cross-site tracking check box.

Set Up Do Not Track in Edge

Here's how to set the Do Not Track preference value in Microsoft Edge:

Select the Settings and more icon, indicated by three dots in the upper-right corner.
Select Settings.
Select Privacy and Services from the menu on the left.
Scroll down and toggle on the setting for Send "Do Not Track" requests.
Confirm the change by selecting Send Request.

Microsoft Edge also offers a number of website-specific tracker protections you can adjust in this section.

Set Up Do Not Track in Internet Explorer

Here's how to set the Do Not Track preference value in Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Microsoft no longer supports Internet Explorer and recommends that you update to the newer Edge browser. Head to their site to download the newest version.

Select the Tools menu or select the tool icon in the upper-right corner.
Select Internet Options, located near the bottom of the drop-down menu.
Select the Advanced tab in the upper-right corner of the pop-up menu.
In the Settings menu, scroll down to the Security section.
Select the Send Do Not Track requests to sites you visit in Internet Explorer check box.

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