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How did the Ad Networks find my search?
(lemmy.ml)
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this post was submitted on 02 Dec 2025
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Privacy
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Looking it up my ISP isn't exactly trustworthy, but there have been no clear allegations. I'd say it's the most likely cause if not my Firefox extensions.
EDIT: I just got another theory, Cloudflare, I'll add it to the list.
If you're really crazy about your privacy I'd recommend getting rid of any extensions you don't 100% need (keep ublock origin though) as not only can they stalk you themselves but it can also help websites fingerprint you. Keeping your extensions to a minimum will help you blend in with the crowd, especially if you use a hardened browser like LibreWolf and/or Mullvad Browser
I use AdGuard rather than uBlock Origin for adblocking, because it allows me to opt-in and only block ads when they are aggressive enough to be annoying. But I've not been trying to minimize fingerprinting. The issue is just that everything I used in this instance came with either a tacit or explicit promise not to track me and I don't know which is lying.
Other extensions I use are:
I've never used AdGuard but you can customize uBlock Origin to fit your needs and block specific things for specific websites. uBlock Origin is commonly used as a default in hardened browsers which would help you fit in with the crowd even more (although I realize you said you weren't going for anti-fingerprinting, just something to consider)
I'm not really interested in maximum privacy, at least right now. I'm slowly moving there though.
Do any extensions have permission to view your browsing data? You can check by opening the extension manager, clicking the extension and clicking the 'permissions and data' tab. I would suspect 5 and 6 the most, 1 might be suspect too. Those extensions by nature would need such permissions to some extent.
AdGuard, ProtonPass, TamperMonkey, Time Tracker, and 10ten have those permissions. The others don't. I don't think any of these extensions would be able to function without these permissions.