How do I use Privacy Guard ?

What is Privacy Guard?

Privacy Guard prevents ads from loading on the web pages you visit and trackers from downloading tracking scripts onto your device, which improves the privacy and the safety of your online activity. Every time you visit a website, Privacy Guard compares the script that the website runs on against filter lists to determine what content the website can load or download.

To disable this feature, go to the Security & Privacy Center and click the green (ON) toggle on the Privacy Guard tile so that it changes to the red (OFF).

 

How can I adjust the strength of Privacy Guard?

To determine the strength of Privacy Guard, click the Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar, then click Settings (the gear icon).

The following blocking options are available:

• Basic Blocking: Blocks all ads that violate the industry standards for user-friendly ads, such as pop-ups and auto-playing videos as well as all known trackers that follow you around while you surf the web. For more information about the industry ads, please go to the “What are Adblock filter lists?” section.
• Balanced Blocking (recommended): Blocks all Basic Blocking ads and trackers in addition to social media ads, improving the speed of your browser and keeping your online identity safe while you surf the web. 
• Strict Blocking: Blocks all known ads, push notifications, and all known and unknown trackers, and prevents browser fingerprinting. We do not recommend this level of blocking, as it may cause websites to not load properly, or even make certain websites completely inaccessible. 
• You can even block all search engine advertising.
• Note that this option will also not include your search history, and your search results will no longer be personalized. It will be as though you were searching for the very first time.

What are Privacy Guard's filter lists?

The filter lists that Privacy Guard uses differ according to your chosen blocking state. The table below shows which filter lists are used by each available state:

 

FILTER LISTS	DESC	AB OFF	BASIC	BALANCED	STRICT
EasyList	A block list that contains URLs of all known ads for English websites   Goal: to automatically remove unwanted content including unformatted images, ads, banners, and tracking	NO	YES	YES	YES
Regional Easy List	A block list that contains URLs of all known ads on region-specific websites all over the world.	NO	YES	YES	YES
Acceptable Ads [AAC] filter list	Approved content and ad formats   Goal: supports websites by allowing some non-intrusive ads to appear on the website   The Acceptable Ads allowlist is usually enabled by default when you install an adblocker	NO	YES	NO	NO
Local lists	Your personal list of websites that can always show ads   Goal: allows you to customize your own Privacy Guard behavior according to your exact requirements	NO	YES	YES	YES
Custom Lists	Avast Search Partner allowlist   Goal: allows trusted and non-intrusive search-related content to appear while you browse the web so that you can have a more personalized experience	NO	YES	YES	NO

 

Can I disable Privacy Guard on certain websites?

Yes. 

1. Open CCleaner Browser and navigate to the website that you want Privacy Guard to ignore.
2. Click the Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar.
3. Click on the toggle to turn Privacy Guard off.

Privacy Guard no longer blocks any ads or trackers when you visit this site.

 

You can alternatively turn Privacy Guard completely off  by following the steps below:

1. Click the Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar.
2. Select the settings icon on the top right corner. You will be directed to the Privacy Guard settings.
3. On that page, click on the green toggle to turn Privacy Guard off.

Privacy Guard allows you to set your own level of privacy according to your preferences while you surf the web. 

 

What is Browser fingerprinting?

 

Otherwise known as device identification, the browser fingerprint method collects specific data about your entire online activity, your browser type/version, operating system, addons, screen resolution, and various other active settings on your device.

Browser fingerprinting can be active even if cookies are off or tracking protection is enabled. 

Browser fingerprinting can also be used to fully or partially identify individual users for security reasons, such as accessing your online bank account. Most banks employ browser fingerprinting to protect you from fraud and/or identity theft, thus the option “remember my device” will not work if Privacy Guard is set to strict.

 

Can I turn off Browser fingerprinting?

Yes, browser fingerprinting is only available in Strict Blocking. You can turn browser fingerprinting off by:

1. Open CCleaner Browser
2. Click the Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar
3. Select the “Browser fingerprinting blocked” toggle to turn it off (gray)

 

Can I turn on Browser fingerprinting?

Browser fingerprinting is only available in Strict Blocking. If you are in Basic or Balanced Blocking, and you want to enable browser fingerprinting you may do so by:

1. Open CCleaner Browser
2. Click the Privacy Guard icon to the right of the address bar
3. Select the settings icon on the top right corner. You will be directed to the Privacy Guard settings.
4. Select the Strict Blocking.