Iridium Browser Overview
Iridium Browser is a free, open-source web browser built on the Chromium code base, with a strong focus on enhancing user privacy and security. Here are the key features and functionalities that distinguish Iridium Browser from other Chromium-based browsers:
Privacy Enhancements
Iridium Browser is designed to protect user privacy by default. It blocks third-party cookies, does not store passwords or autofill data, and clears site data once the browser is closed. These settings can be modified, but they are set to enhance privacy out of the box.
De-Googling
One of the significant advantages of Iridium Browser is its effort to “de-google” the Chromium code base. It removes many Google-dependent components and services, such as automatic update checks, Google hot word detection, Google cloud printing, Google profile-import, and Google Cloud Messaging status checks. This reduces the likelihood of the browser “phoning home” to Google servers, thereby protecting user privacy.
Security Tweaks
Iridium Browser includes several security tweaks, particularly in how WebRTC is handled. Since WebRTC cannot be completely disabled in Chromium, Iridium modifies its behavior to prevent potential leaks of the user’s true IP address, even when using a VPN. Additional security measures include preventing the automatic transmission of partial queries, keywords, and metrics to central services without user approval.
Transparency and Open Source
The entire development process of Iridium Browser is transparent. The source code is available in a public Git repository, allowing users to view all changes made to the code. This transparency and the ability to reproduce builds make Iridium stand out from other secure browser providers.
Performance
Iridium Browser is known for its speed, loading complex websites quickly and rendering them efficiently. It maintains the performance characteristics of Chromium while adding additional privacy and security features.
User Interface and Functionality
The user interface of Iridium Browser is similar to Google Chrome, making it easy for users to transition. It supports signing in with Google accounts and syncing bookmarks and other settings, although it changes the default search engine to Qwant, a privacy-focused search engine.
Additional Features
- CryptoTokenExtension: Iridium includes a CryptoTokenExtension, which is concerned with encrypting the information sent through the browser, although detailed information about this extension is limited.
- Customizable Settings: Users can modify cookie settings and other privacy-related configurations to suit their preferences.
In summary, Iridium Browser offers a fast, secure, and privacy-focused browsing experience by leveraging the Chromium code base while removing or modifying Google-dependent services and enhancing security and privacy features. Its transparent development process and open-source nature further add to its appeal for users concerned about their online privacy.