Do automatic updates retain my opt out of Opera's use of my data?
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xb70 last edited by leocg
If you only use the offline download ( https://www.opera.com/download ) of Opera, you can click to disallow four items found within "Configure in settings" (pertaining to Opera's collection and use of your browsing data): "Categories of data we may collect" two: "General interests based on websites you may visit or search," and "General location," then two more: "How we use the data:" "Personalized content" and "Ads personalized based on your interests." I always uncheck all four of these, the default is checked on. (Previous to that you are also presented four other choices, with Opera's default preferences selected, which you can also uncheck, if desired) Then you click "Confirm choices." I assume that when you let Opera automatically update your version, the default of opting in to their use of your data is in effect. Therefore I don't use auto update.
I noticed that auto update did work recently on one of my installations, and that 112.0.5197.73 then 112.0.5197.96 were installed, but I reinstalled 112.0.5197.53 instead, not trusting that my opt-outs would be honored by the auto updates--which aren't listed as stable updates, not listed all all that I can tell!
I also note that Opera uses the task updatechecker.exe which posts cookies which cannot be deleted without using the Task Manager to End Task: updatechecker.exe, which is a pain, as I prefer to delete all cookies upon shutting down for the night. So, beware.
Unless anyone wishes to disabuse me of my paranoia about Opera's desire to harvest and make money of my data, selling it to unmown parties, or what, who knows? Most folks I expect don't care. Fair enough, Opera has to stay in business somehow.
Is any other browser a superior protector of one's data and privacy? Rhetorical, I expect. One can search for best browsers, I suppose. Why use Opera, if it peeves me in these instances? It allows use of an extension not available elsewhere, a legacy extension.
FWIW, there are settings, "Privacy consent settings," which one can also manually check and select one's preferences, if auto update seems to have overridden one's preferences with the Opera defaults, which I did not confirm that it does. Anyone know? -
burnout426 Volunteer last edited by
Yes, if you opt out of the consent options, they'll still be disabled after an automatic update. You can check at the URL
opera://settings/privacy/consentFlowafter an update and you will see that they're still disabled. -
donq last edited by
@xb70 said in Do automatic updates retain my opt out of Opera's use of my data?:
Is any other browser a superior protector of one's data and privacy?
In theory, Brave should allow to opt out of all 'call home and advertisers' traffic - but by default it collects information as all other browsers.
Technically, many of homecalls can be blocked by firewall or router or just hosts file. I've not watched lately, but blocking eg sitecheck.opera.com was few years ago pretty efficient
