EFF Releases Privacy Badger Extension for Safari on macOS
The Electronic Frontier Foundation launched its tracker-blocking tool for Apple's browser, requiring version 26.5 or higher.
Key points
- Privacy Badger is now available for Safari on macOS, joining its existing support for other major desktop browsers.
- The extension requires Safari version 26.5 or higher and blocks trackers that bypass Safari’s built-in privacy protections.
- More than 4 million users currently rely on the free tool to prevent online surveillance and data broker exploitation.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation released Privacy Badger for Safari on macOS, expanding its reach to Apple’s web browser. This update allows users of Safari version 26.5 or higher to install the free extension directly. The move addresses a long-standing request from the user base for broader browser compatibility.
According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the extension blocks online trackers before they can load, preventing data collection techniques that circumvent Safari’s default settings. Safari’s native privacy features limit tracker access but still allow them to load. Privacy Badger stops this process entirely, offering a more aggressive stance against invisible tracking code embedded in websites.
Technical Context and Compatibility
Safari support was one of the most requested features for Privacy Badger for years. The Electronic Frontier Foundation credited recent improvements in Safari’s extension support for enabling this release. The tool is now available across all major desktop browsers, creating a consistent privacy layer for users who switch between platforms.
Privacy Badger operates by automatically learning to block trackers, including those that other tools might miss or choose not to block. It specifically targets tracking from widgets such as embedded tweets, comments sections, and video players. These elements can share user data even without clicks, so the extension replaces them with click-to-activate placeholders to stop silent data transmission.
User Impact and Future Plans
More than 4 million people already use Privacy Badger to protect themselves from data brokers and online surveillance. The Electronic Frontier Foundation stated that the tool helps prevent companies from profiting off browsing data. Users can install Privacy Badger alongside ad blockers or with Safari’s advanced settings enabled, as the tools complement each other without conflict.
The organization confirmed it will look into supporting Safari for iOS after resolving any issues on the macOS version. This phased approach ensures stability before expanding to mobile environments. For now, the focus remains on delivering robust protection for desktop users who wish to limit their digital footprint.
What should you do?
Users running Safari on macOS should check their browser version to ensure it is 26.5 or higher before attempting installation. Those concerned about data brokers can install the extension to block trackers that bypass native browser protections. Individuals using ad blockers should verify that Privacy Badger works alongside their current setup without causing conflicts.
Background: Data brokers
You remove data from data brokers by identifying which companies hold your profile, visiting their privacy pages, and submitting formal opt-out requests. This process requires checking multiple sites, as brokers do not share deletion requests with each other.
Read the full guide: How to Remove Data from Data Brokers: The Manual Cleanup Process
What to do and how to stay safe: Privacy Badger
- Verify that your Safari browser is updated to version 26.5 or higher to ensure compatibility with the new extension.
- Install Privacy Badger from the official source to block trackers that Safari’s built-in features might allow to load.
- Monitor website functionality after installation, as click-to-activate placeholders may replace embedded widgets like tweets or videos.
- Consider keeping Safari’s advanced privacy settings enabled to layer protections alongside the extension’s automatic blocking.
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Does Privacy Badger work with Safari's built-in privacy features?
Yes, Privacy Badger works well alongside Safari’s built-in protections and can be used with advanced settings to block trackers in all windows.
Is Privacy Badger available for Safari on iOS?
No, the Electronic Frontier Foundation plans to support Safari for iOS only after ironing out issues on the macOS version.
How many people use Privacy Badger?
More than 4 million people already use the free tracker-blocking extension across supported desktop browsers.
