A browser-based web tracking detection platform.

Latest Version

Version
0.3
Update
July 20, 2015
Size
37.0KiB
Developer
Category
Users
363
Rating
0 ★
Manifest Version
2
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English (United States)
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Permissions
Background
Cookies
History
Management
Storage
Tabs
WebRequest
WebRequestBlocking
Http://*/*
Https://*/*
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TrackingObserver Extension

As you browse the web, your browsing behavior may be observed and aggregated by third-party websites (\"trackers\") that you don't visit directly. These trackers are generally embedded by host websites in the form of advertisements, social media widgets (e.g., the Facebook \"Like\" button), or web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics).

TrackingObserver is a Chrome extension that acts as a platform for detecting, measuring, and blocking third-party web trackers. Unlike other tools, TrackingObserver does not use a blacklist of known tracking domains, but rather detects trackers automatically based on their in-browser behaviors (such as setting and receiving third-party cookies).

Different trackers exhibit different behaviors, which give them different capabilities. For example, some trackers can track you only when you return to the same site, while others can track you as you browse multiple different sites. TrackingObserver automatically categorizes trackers according to the taxonomy described at http://trackingobserver.cs.washington.edu/.

TrackingObserver is not just a stand-alone Chrome extension, but a platform. It exposes APIs for tracking detection, measurement, and blocking, and you can install or develop add-ons that provide visualization or other functionality. TrackingObserver prevents add-ons from needing to reinvent or reimplement its automatic tracking detection algorithm, while allowing them to innovate in other ways.

We hope that TrackingObserver will be valuable for users, developers, and web tracking researchers.
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx","name": "TrackingObserver","version": "0.3","manifest_version": 2,"description": "A browser-based web tracking detection platform.","icons": {"16": "Icons/16.png","48": "Icons/48.png","128": "Icons/128.png"},"background": {"scripts": ["Background.js"],"persistent": true},"content_scripts": [{"matches": ["http://*/*","https://*/*"],"js": ["ContentScript.js"],"run_at": "document_start"}],"permissions": ["background","cookies","history", "management","storage","tabs","webRequest","webRequestBlocking","http://*/*","https://*/*"], "browser_action": { "default_icon": "Icons/16.png", "default_popup": "Popup.html", "default_title": "TrackingObserver" }}
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How to download and manually install TrackingObserver extension for Chrome

Looking for a way to install TrackingObserver extensions for Chrome, you can search for them in the Chrome Web Store, clicking the "Add to Chrome" button, and following the straightforward process.

However, you may need to install TrackingObserver extensions manually, this article outlines two simple methods to effortlessly install TrackingObserver extensions, whether they come as unpacked folders in compressed formats like .zip or as .crx files.

Method 1: Download TrackingObserver extension and manually install through Drag &Drop

If you ever need to manually install a TrackingObserver extension for Chrome, don't worry, it's a simple process. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have your extension ready to use in no time.

Step 1: Download the TrackingObserver Extension by clicking the "Download CRX" button on the website.

Look for the TrackingObserver extension you wish to install. Go to the website and download the TrackingObserver extension package, which is usually a .CRX file and comes in a zipped file. Here ".crx" file is the format for TrackingObserver extension that contains all the data.

Step 2: Extract &Arrange Files

Once the file is downloaded, extract that file into its own folder. Similarly, give that extension files a permanent home. In other words, keep it in a folder that you don't accidentally delete it because these files will be needed to make that extension work.

Step 3: Go to the Chrome Extensions Page

Open Google Chrome and in the address bar, type chrome://extensions; it will open the Google Chrome extensions page. Make sure that "My extensions" is selected in the sidebar.

Step 4: Drag and Drop the Extension

Now, go to the folder where you extracted the TrackingObserver extension and drag &drop the extension file from there anywhere onto the extension page within Google Chrome.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Once you drag and drop the extension file, follow the steps that Google Chrome takes you through. Similarly, if the extension file is of .crx file format, you will be required to review the permissions and then add the extension.

Now, you can manage that added extension as you would like to with any other Chrome extension that you added through Chrome Webstore. Its icon will also appear in the Google Chrome Menu on the right side of the address bar once you activate it.

Method 2: Download TrackingObserver extension for Chrome and install in Developer Mode

This is another method to install TrackingObserver extension manually, but the twist is that here, you install by enabling the developer mode option provided in Google Chrome. This mode is commonly used for testing extensions or running unpublished tools.

Step 1: Download the TrackingObserver extension file

Select and download the TrackingObserver extension by clicking the 'Download CRX' button on the website.

Step 2: Extract the downloaded contents

Convert the file to a ZIP file if it is in CRX format then extract the TrackingObserver extension zip file or folder that you downloaded. Make sure you extract it using the same folder name and keep it safely in another folder, so you don't delete it by mistake. The extracted folder will be needed to keep your TrackingObserver extension running.

Step 3: Open Chrome Extension Setting Page

In the address bar of Google Chrome, type chrome://extensions and open the Chrome Extension Page.

Step 4: Enable Developer Mode

After opening the Chrome Extension page, look at the top right side, and you will find the toggle option of "Developer mode."Simply enable that developer mode option.

Step 5: Load the Unpacked Extension

Once you enable the developer mode option, you will see the menu of Load Unpacked, Pack Extensions and Update. From that, select the option "Load unpacked."

Step 6: Select the Extension Folder

Once the pop-up opens upon clicking Load unpacked, select the TrackingObserver extension directory and click on the "Select Folder "button.

Step 7: Confirm and Install

After you select an extension folder of a Google Chrome extension you're installing manually, confirm its installation for the final time and let the installation complete.

Conclusion

Here we've made a step-by-step guide on How to manually install TrackingObserver extension in 2 ways. We hope this guide proves helpful.

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