Privacy Badger launches for Safari on macOS
The EFF releases its anti-tracking extension for Safari 26.5 and later.
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The Electronic Frontier Foundation has made Privacy Badger available for Safari on macOS. The extension attempts to identify and block trackers automatically, without removing all adverts by default.
Privacy Badger was already available for browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Edge. The expansion to Safari is new, according to technology publication MacRumors, and works from Safari 26.5 onwards.
According to the EFF, the extension focuses on so-called third-party trackers: scripts, cookies and other elements that can track users across different websites. The EFF says Privacy Badger learns from behaviour which domains engage in tracking.
This differs from many traditional ad blockers, which work with precompiled lists. Privacy Badger does not automatically block adverts if they do not contain tracking, the EFF says.
According to its makers, the software can also block cookies, remove link tracking for certain services, and send Global Privacy Control and Do Not Track signals. This does not mean that the extension stops all tracking.
According to MacRumors, Safari already has privacy features that restrict trackers’ access. However, MacRumors says the browser still allows trackers to load; Privacy Badger attempts to block that content additionally. When granting permission to access websites, users can consider whether they trust the developer.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The EFF has released Privacy Badger for Safari on macOS.
- According to its maker, the extension analyses tracker behaviour and requests broad browser permissions.
- Safari already includes its own privacy protection.
Left
Arguments Users should have more control over tracking by default; voluntary extensions help, but platform companies should not leave privacy dependent on individual technical knowledge.
Values Digital rights, autonomy and protection from surveillance.
Consequences More legal restrictions on tracking and stronger privacy settings as standard.
Centre
Arguments A combination of browser settings, transparent consent and reliable extensions can improve privacy without disabling the advertising model entirely.
Values A balance between privacy, ease of use and an open internet.
Consequences Targeted regulation and independent assessment of privacy tools.
Right
Arguments Users should be able to choose which extensions they install, while websites and publishers should retain room to earn income from advertising.
Values Freedom of choice, entrepreneurship and limited platform power.
Consequences Warnings and transparency about tracking, but restraint regarding mandatory blocking or broad bans.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The release and compatibility information have been confirmed by the maker and an independent technology site. Claims about how it works are attributed to the EFF and are not presented as guaranteed protection.
- confirmed Privacy Badger is available for Safari on macOS. — MacRumors reports the release and the EFF link refers to Safari installation. source
- confirmed The extension requires Safari 26.5 or later. — MacRumors and the EFF installation page mention this version requirement. source
- confirmed Privacy Badger does not automatically block adverts if they are not trackers. — The EFF describes this as a distinction from traditional ad blockers. source
Editor's note
Availability for Safari and the technical features have been confirmed by the EFF, MacRumors and the App Store. Effectiveness against all forms of tracking has not been independently tested in this round.Sources
- EFF's Privacy Badger Anti-Tracking Extension Expands to Safari — MacRumors
- Privacy Badger — Electronic Frontier Foundation
- Privacy Badger in de App Store — Apple
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „privacy safari”
- NOS — „privacy safari”
- Het Parool — „privacy safari”