Configure the Fennec Browser

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Instructions

1. Install Fennec Browser
The Fennec Browser is pre-installed as a system app under VollaOS. You can find it in the app overview of the VollaLauncher under "Browser." It is also accessible via the "Browser" shortcut in the app drawer.

2. Basic Privacy Settings in the Browser
Fennec is based on Firefox and offers many options to minimize tracking and protect your privacy.
a) Enable Tracking Protection
Open the menu (three dots in the top right).
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
Set Tracking Protection to Strict (blocks trackers, ads, and potentially harmful content more effectively).
Enable HTTPS-Only Mode to ensure all connections are encrypted (under HTTPS-Only Mode).

b) Cookies and Data Management
Under Privacy & Security > Delete browsing data on quit:
Select Cookies and site data, and other options as needed.
Disable Accept third-party cookies or set it to From visited sites only to prevent cross-site tracking.

c) Customize Search Engine
The default search engine may be privacy-unfriendly, like Google.
Go to Settings > Search > Search engine.
Choose a privacy-friendly alternative like DuckDuckGo or Startpage.

d) Advanced Settings for Advanced Users via about:config
Type about:config in the address bar and press Enter.
Search for and adjust the following settings:
privacy.fingerprintingProtection → Set to true (protects against browser fingerprinting).
privacy.resistFingerprinting → Set to false (often unnecessary in Fennec, as it may interfere with uBlock Origin and FingerprintingProtection).
network.http.referer.XOriginPolicy → Set to 1 (send referer only for same-origin requests).
media.peerconnection.enabled → Set to false (disables WebRTC to prevent IP leaks).
browser.region.update.enabled → Set to false (prevents location queries).

3. Install and Configure uBlock Origin (Optional)
uBlock Origin is an essential add-on to block ads, trackers, and other unwanted content.
a) Installation
Open the menu (three dots in the top right).
Go to Settings > Add-ons.
Tap Browse add-ons and search for uBlock Origin.
Click + Add and confirm the installation.
b) Basic uBlock Origin Configuration
After installation, the uBlock icon appears in the toolbar (if not, add it via Menu > Customize).
Click the uBlock icon, then the gear icon (Settings).
c) Enable Filter Lists
In the Filter lists tab:
Enable all lists under Ads (e.g., EasyList).
Enable all lists under Privacy (e.g., EasyPrivacy).
Add the Actually Legitimate URL Shortener Tool list:
Go to Import filter lists, paste the link https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Dande ... rtener.txt, and click Apply.
Optionally, enable Fanboy’s Annoyances and AdGuard Annoyances to block pop-ups and cookie banners.
Click Update now to load the lists.
d) Advanced Settings
In the Settings tab:
Enable I am an advanced user for more control.
Check Disable pre-fetching (prevents websites from preloading content to bypass blockers).
Optionally, enable Disable hyperlink auditing to reduce tracking via links.
e) Dynamic Filters (Optional for Advanced Users)
Click the uBlock icon on a website and open the logger (three lines in the top right of the uBlock window).
Monitor which domains are blocked. If issues occur (e.g., content not loading), selectively allow domains:
Click the lock icon to save changes permanently.
f) Block Cookie Banners
In the Filter lists tab, enable uBlock filters – Annoyances or AdGuard Annoyances to suppress annoying cookie notices.

4. Additional Tips for Maximum Privacy
Password Manager: Avoid Fennec’s built-in password manager. Use an app like KeepassDX (from F-Droid) to securely store passwords.
Backup Browser: For websites that don’t work with these settings, keep a second privacy-friendly browser like Brave ready.
VPN: Combine Fennec with a trusted VPN to mask your IP address.
Regular Updates: Fennec updates via F-Droid may be delayed. Check regularly for new versions, as security updates are critical.

5. Test and Fine-Tune
Visit a test site like https://coveryourtracks.eff.org to check how well your browser is protected against tracking and fingerprinting.
If websites don’t work, temporarily disable uBlock for that site (large blue toggle in the uBlock window) or adjust dynamic filters.

With these steps, you’ve set up Fennec in a privacy-friendly way and optimally configured uBlock Origin. Your browser is now largely protected against ads, trackers, and fingerprinting while maintaining control.

Happy secure browsing!