# WaterFox privacy rating

Firefox-based browser with telemetry, studies and sponsored content removed, and a built-in ad and tracker blocker. Available for desktop and Android.

## Summary

WaterFox scores 85 out of 100 (grade B) on the browsers criteria. It meets 6 of 8 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry, no ads or data sales, blocks trackers by default, no calls to big-tech services and timely security updates. It partly meets fingerprinting protection. It does not meet independent audit. It is based in the United Kingdom: Five Eyes member; GDPR-style data protection law; CLOUD Act data access agreement with the US.

- Website: https://www.waterfox.com
- Source code: https://github.com/BrowserWorks/waterfox
- Jurisdiction: United Kingdom. Five Eyes member. GDPR-style data protection law. CLOUD Act data access agreement with the US.
- Home page trackers: none found
- Category: [Browsers](https://privacyratings.com/browsers/)
- Grade: B (85/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | Yes | MPL-2.0 and other Mozilla licenses. | https://github.com/BrowserWorks/waterfox/blob/current/LICENSE |
| No trackers or telemetry | Yes | No telemetry or analytics. Telemetry modules are disabled at build time. | https://www.waterfox.com/docs/policies/privacy/ |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | No sponsored content in the browser. Funded through search partner revenue sharing, not data sales. | https://www.waterfox.com/docs/policies/privacy/ |
| Independent audit | No | No independent audit is published. |  |
| Blocks trackers by default | Yes | A built-in ad and tracker blocker with bundled filter lists works from first launch. | https://www.waterfox.com/docs/policies/privacy/ |
| Fingerprinting protection | Partial | Standard Enhanced Tracking Protection is the default. Stronger fingerprinting protections require Strict or custom settings. | https://www.waterfox.com/support/enhanced-tracking-protection/ |
| No calls to big-tech services | Yes | Google Safe Browsing is removed. Google's Widevine module is only downloaded when DRM video is played. | https://www.waterfox.com/docs/policies/privacy/ |
| Timely security updates | Yes | Releases include Mozilla ESR security fixes, usually within about a week, and install through the built-in updater. | https://www.waterfox.com/releases/ |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/browsers/waterfox/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/browsers/waterfox.md