# Zen Browser privacy rating

Firefox-based desktop browser with vertical tabs, workspaces, split view and a compact interface. Mozilla telemetry is removed.

## Summary

Zen Browser scores 73 out of 100 (grade C) on the browsers criteria. It meets 4 of 8 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry, no ads or data sales and timely security updates. It partly meets blocks trackers by default, fingerprinting protection and no calls to big-tech services. It does not meet independent audit.

- Website: https://zen-browser.app
- Source code: https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop
- License: MPL-2.0
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Home page trackers: Cloudflare Web Analytics (cookieless analytics)
- Category: [Browsers](https://privacyratings.com/browsers/)
- Grade: C (73/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | Yes | MPL-2.0. | https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop/blob/dev/LICENSE |
| No trackers or telemetry | Yes | Telemetry and crash reporting from Firefox are removed, and no third-party trackers are used. | https://zen-browser.app/privacy-policy/ |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | Funded by donations. The privacy policy says data is not sold. | https://zen-browser.app/donate/ |
| Independent audit | No | No independent audit is published. |  |
| Blocks trackers by default | Partial | Uses Firefox Enhanced Tracking Protection in Standard mode, which blocks social trackers and cross-site cookies but not all tracking content. | https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop |
| Fingerprinting protection | Partial | Known fingerprinters are blocked, but fingerprinting data is only altered in Strict mode or private windows. | https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-protection-against-fingerprinting |
| No calls to big-tech services | Partial | Firefox background connections, including Google Safe Browsing lists, remain and can be turned off in about:config. | https://zen-browser.app/privacy-policy/ |
| Timely security updates | Yes | Releases follow each Firefox release within days, and the browser updates itself. | https://zen-browser.app/release-notes/ |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/browsers/zen-browser/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/browsers/zen-browser.md