Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I see its status, or in what way it impacts network activity?

You can use the testing utility to ensure that the extension is working as intended. Contextual information on local injections can be found inside of the popup user interface. To analyze actual network traffic, use your browser's built-in network monitor, or a dedicated packet sniffer.

Why doesn't it deliver resources from CDNs I block using a different add-on?

Most content blockers do not block delivery networks by default, as doing so breaks pages. This extension works out of the box, unless it's asked to operate under strict blocking rules. Any policies set by other extensions are respected. As such, blocked resources will not be served locally.

For uMatrix and uBlock Origin (non-Easy mode) users

Open up the extension dashboard and navigate to the My rules page. Click Edit under the temporary rules section, and paste the list of rules below into the text area. Save the changes, and then click Commit to make them permanent. Any supported requests will now be delegated.

* ajax.googleapis.com * noop
* ajax.aspnetcdn.com * noop
* ajax.microsoft.com * noop
* cdnjs.cloudflare.com * noop
* code.jquery.com * noop
* cdn.jsdelivr.net * noop
* yastatic.net * noop
* yandex.st * noop
* libs.baidu.com * noop
* lib.sinaapp.com * noop
* upcdn.b0.upaiyun.com * noop

Important: Enable the block requests for missing resources setting inside the Decentraleyes extension Options screen, in order to preserve the strict CDN-blocking policies.

For users of other (strictly configured) content blockers

Add the domains ajax.googleapis.com, ajax.aspnetcdn.com, ajax.microsoft.com, cdnjs.cloudflare.com, code.jquery.com, cdn.jsdelivr.net, yandex.st, yastatic.net, libs.baidu.com, lib.sinaapp.com, and upcdn.b0.upaiyun.com to your whitelist.

Important: Enable the block requests for missing resources setting inside the Decentraleyes extension Options screen, in order to preserve the strict CDN-blocking policies.

Can CDNs track me even though they do not place tracking cookies?

Absolutely. Requests to Content Delivery Networks contain the "Referer" HTTP header (originally a misspelling of referrer) that reveals what page you're visiting. Techniques like IP address tracking and browser fingerprinting can then be used to associate the aggregated data with your identity.

My browser caches downloaded CDN libraries, doesn't that protect my privacy?

Sadly, no. Even if the file in question is stored inside of your cache, your browser might still contact the referenced Content Delivery Network to check if the resource has been modified.

What does it do to protect me when it has no choice but to allow a request?

Even if a resource is not locally available, Decentraleyes offers improved protection by stripping optional headers from intercepted CDN-requests. This keeps specific data, such as what page you are on, from reaching delivery networks. Whitelisting a domain does not affect this measure.

Why am I receiving HTTPS Everywhere-related warnings on Chrome or Chromium?

They show up when both extensions are attempting to redirect a specific request. The race is always won by the most recently installed extension. This is why recent versions of Decentraleyes automatically set up secure connections when forced to let intercepted requests through.

This means that it's safe to disable HTTPS Everywhere for supported CDNs, as long as you're using Decentraleyes v1.3.7.1 (or higher). Doing so should prevent any further related conflicts and warnings. Just follow this short guide to configure your installation of HTTPS Everywhere.

Will it work well in combination with other privacy enhancing add-ons?

Decentraleyes was designed to complement all kinds of other privacy-enhancing extensions including, but definitely not limited to: BetterPrivacy, HTTPS Everywhere, NoScript Security Suite, Privacy Badger, RequestPolicy, Self-Destructing Cookies, uBlock Origin, and uMatrix.

Are you having trouble using Decentraleyes alongside any of your other content blockers? Please read this related answer, as it's very likely to contain the exact information you need.