[tor-bugs] #3991 [Tor Browser]: REQ: Google Analytics filter/block

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#3991: REQ: Google Analytics filter/block
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 Reporter:  joyton       |          Owner:  mikeperry
     Type:  enhancement  |         Status:  new      
 Priority:  normal       |      Milestone:           
Component:  Tor Browser  |        Version:           
 Keywords:               |         Parent:           
   Points:               |   Actualpoints:           
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 I was not sure where to place this request, whether Tor Browser or
 !TorBrowserButton would be best. BTW, considering Tor Browser has been
 known as Tor Browser Bundle (TBB) for a long time, does it not seem a bit
 confusing to now call !TorButton, Tor Browser Button (TBB)?

 Currently the easiest way to prevent Google Analytics (GA) tracking from
 within Firefox is by using the [http://hackademix.net/2009/01/25
 /surrogate-scripts-vs-google-analytics/ NoScript Surrogate Scripts] (SS)
 feature, as far as I understand. However, SS is only functional on pages
 and sites where JS is blocked. One will see a Google Analytics entry in
 the !NoScriopt taskbar flyout. That means TBB does not use !NoScript SS,
 and thus does not block Google Analytics tracking (AFAIK), because TBB
 ships !NoScipt to globally allow JS by default.

 The more cumbersome (and less elegant?) solution seems to be using
 [http://forums.lanik.us/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5222 AdBlock Plus (with
 EasyList)] and
 [https://adblockplus.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4160&start=19
 Greasemonkey (with custom script)]. I use this solution for TBB when I
 allows JS via. !NoScript. This solution seems to work well, however, it
 may still break a few obscure video sites that use GA atypically. There is
 an easy solution for sites that do break: simply whitelist the sites via.
 [https://adblockplus.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4160&start=22 ABP (with
 Easylist) and Greasemonkey script].

 The "solution" offered by Google, their
 [http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout opt-out add-on], is no solution
 at all (big surprise there!).

 I do realise Tor Project is heading toward anonymity by design for Tor
 Browser, and in doing so I hope a solution can found for GA so one doesn't
 need to rely on add-ons (besides maybe Tor Browser Button). Unless there
 is a solution already in the works?

 Please feel free to tell me I'm wrong, if I am. Thanks.

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Ticket URL: <https://trac.torproject.org/projects/tor/ticket/3991>
Tor Bug Tracker & Wiki <https://trac.torproject.org/>
The Tor Project: anonymity online