What Parents Need to Know About Private Browsers

Private browsers like DuckDuckGo and Brave are increasing in popularity. But what are privacy browsers, and how are they different from incognito mode? And how can you keep your child safe online when they use a private browser? 

This article explains how private browsers work, the risks they pose to kids, and how BrightCanary helps you monitor your child regardless of what browser they use. 

What are private browsers?

A private browser is a third-party browser that blocks tracking, encrypts data, and enhances user anonymity online. Unlike mainstream browsers like Chrome and Firefox, these browsers must be manually downloaded onto a device and often include additional privacy features.

Some popular privacy browsers include: 

• DuckDuckGo
• Tor 
• Brave 
• LibreWolf
• Vivaldi

How are private browsers different from incognito mode?

Here’s how private browsers stack up against incognito mode: 

Feature	Incognito/private mode on most mainstream browsers	Private browsers
Tracks cookies and data	Yes	No
Saves search history	No	No
Encrypts traffic	No	Yes
Hides IP address	No	Some, like Tor

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, private browsers are different from incognito mode (also known as private browsing) on mainstream browsers. 

The biggest distinction is that private browsers don’t allow any tracking of your child’s online activity, whereas incognito mode is more limited in the privacy it provides. 

Basically, both modes limit how much you can monitor your child’s online activity, but only private browsers restrict outside entities from tracking them. 

Why do kids use private browsers?

The reasons why kids use private browsers range from unconcerning to worrisome. 

• They don’t want to be tracked by companies. Young people are increasingly wary of big tech, and some use private browsers to avoid being tracked and targeted by companies. 
• Age-appropriate desire for privacy. Adolescents naturally want privacy from their parents, and private browsers are one way to seek a sense of independence, even if what they’re doing online isn’t concerning.  
• They don’t want to be tracked by you. If your child wants to access content they know you won’t approve of, they might use private browsers to hide their activity. 

What are the risks of kids using private browsers? 

If you or your child are concerned about their privacy online, it’s easy to see the benefits of them using a private browser. It’s also important to know the risks. Privacy browsers can:

• Bypass parental controls
• Make it easier to search for inappropriate content
• Prevent parents from seeing browsing history
• Encourage secrecy in digital behavior

These tools limit visibility. For parents of tweens and teens, that can be a concern.

What should I do if my child is using a private browser?

If you’re concerned about your child using a private browser, you have two options: 

1. Block them from using private browsers 

You can restrict your child’s access to private browsers by blocking each one on their device or network. But there are many private browsers, and it’s hard to keep up with them all. 

2. Use specialized monitoring software

BrightCanary is a third-party app that helps you monitor your child’s online activity, even on private browsers. The difference is that BrightCanary monitors what your child types, including their activity on private browsers on their iPhone or iPad. If they’re searching for anything concerning, you’ll get an alert in real time.

How can I monitor my child if they use a private browser?

Given the privacy benefits of using browsers like DuckDuckGo or Brave, you may want your child to use a private browser instead of a mainstream option like Chrome or Safari. 

Here’s how BrightCanary can mitigate the risks and help you keep your child safe while using a private browser: 

• Works on any browser. The BrightCanary Keyboard securely scans what your child types on their iPhone or iPad, meaning everything is captured, even in private browsers. 
• Real-time information. BrightCanary’s advanced technology scans everything your child types and provides you with real-time AI-powered summaries. 
• Concerning content alerts. When your child types something alarming or comes across harmful content, you’ll get an alert. 
• Tailor your access. To give your child maximum privacy, relying on BrightCanary’s alerts and summaries is a great option. When you need more detail, full transcripts are available. 

The bottom line

Private browsers like DuckDuckGo and Tor protect your child against tracking and ad targeting by companies and websites. The downside is that these browsers also make it difficult for you to monitor your child online. 

Thanks to BrightCanary’s secure keyboard technology, you can still monitor your child’s online activity, even on private browsers. If they search for concerning content, you’ll get an alert and can access additional details in the app. Download BrightCanary today and get started.