Do AI Assistants Observe Private Browsing Sessions?
Every Browser but Firefox Now Curbs AI in Private Windows. Almost None of Them Says So.
Private browsing windows in web browsers are not really private at all. At best, they keep your web visits secret from any other person who uses your web browser on your laptop or mobile device. Short of that, nothing is really private unless you’ve layered in other protections.
About a week ago, I became curious about what happens when you have AI-powered features and assistants on your browser, especially when you use a private window. So I tested seven browsers AI features while using their respective private windows and ran their documentation through Q16’s analysis.
The report is free, sourced, and versioned, and is available at the Q16 website: https://q16pbc.com/private-mode
While you’re there you can also sign up for the Q16 newsletter and be among the first to receive our future research announcements.
