ScriptSniffer is a browser extension designed to enhance your online privacy. With a single click, ScriptSniffer scans web pages for scripts linked to known tracking companies. It provides you with clear insights into potential tracking activities without any complexity. ScriptSniffer also allows you to click on domains to navigate to their privacy policies when they are available. In addition to that, there is a button to scan your current site with Blacklight by the Markup.
Limitations
While ScriptSniffer is a valuable tool for safeguarding your online privacy, it comes with certain limitations:
Limited Scope: ScriptSniffer focuses exclusively on the scripts and images embedded within the current webpage. It does not monitor network requests made by the page, potentially missing tracking activities that occur outside the scope of the current page.
Occasional False Positives: ScriptSniffer relies on a database of known tracking domains to identify potential trackers. However, this approach can occasionally lead to false positives. For instance, URLs that resemble known tracking domains but are not actually trackers may be flagged by mistake. For example, a URL like "https://tiktok.com/notatracker" could be falsely identified as a tracker.
False Negatives: Conversely, ScriptSniffer may also have false negatives, where it fails to detect certain tracking activities, especially if they involve lesser-known or newly emerging tracking domains that are not yet part of its database.
Not an ad blocker: ScriptSniffer is not designed to block ads or trackers. It is meant to be used either on its own or in combination with your add-on of choice.
Only available on Chrome-based browsers: At this time, ScriptSniffer is only available on browsers that support Chrome extensions. Depending on demand, a FireFox version may be made in the future.
It's important to keep these limitations in mind while using ScriptSniffer and consider it as one component of your broader online privacy strategy. While it offers valuable insights, it may not provide a complete picture of all tracking activities on the web.