61
submitted 3 days ago by jerrimu@lemmy.world to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

We built Umbra by forking, updating, and improving the ghostery browser build script, fern.js

Umbra removes all telemetry and outgoing requests except for codec requests ( netfix works!) All non-browsing features like AI, pocket, and profiles are also removed,

The idea behind umbra is usable privacy. By default RFP is off because it breaks websites.

You can build Umbra yourself but using the build script at https://github.com/openconstruct/user-agent-desktop

Or downod binaries for Linux/WIn at https://github.com/openconstruct/umbra/releases

top 17 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[-] hobata@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 day ago

Good project, all the best to you!

[-] voxel@feddit.uk 0 points 1 day ago

I assume your disability is related to grammar, since there are a lot of errors in your Readme, or you might just not be that good with English yet. Whatever the case might be, it would look more trustworthy and professional if you would fix those.

Kagi Translate or LanguageTool can help: https://translate.kagi.com/ https://languagetool.org/

[-] florencia@lemmy.blahaj.zone 32 points 3 days ago
[-] BrilliantBadger@piefed.ca 2 points 2 days ago

Very cool indeed. Librewolf user and love it, but always need good options because you never know the future.

Definitely be checking this one out. Cheers!

[-] eruchitanda@lemmy.world 12 points 3 days ago

I came here to ask the million dollar question, they answered it on their GitHub.

How we are differnt from Librewolf? Umbra uses the built in firefox password manager instead of recommending extensions. Netflix works, and we do not enable RFP ( resist fingerprinting ) by default as it breaks many web pages. We also have an Umbra Control Center ( about:umbra or bottom left in setting menu) that allows you to set many privacy settings and set profiles for individual web sites. ( may be more differences just the top of my head)

[-] NKBTN@feddit.uk 1 points 3 days ago

Nice. Now - how does it differ from IronFox?

[-] jerrimu@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago

I'm not super familiar with ironfox. Currently we're only available on Linux/windows. We don't use profiles at all.

[-] brbposting@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Congratulations!

Tradeoff question—

Should I expect to find some semblance of safety in sticking with the largest open source browser project I can find, given perhaps the eyeballs etc., or would you reckon not (or even perhaps the opposite, security through obscurity & Umbra is “safer” than Firefox)?

Maybe this is so “lightly” forked it’s “just” stripping + cosmetics & the risk profile is essentially identical?

[-] jerrimu@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

Umbra doesn't add any security flaws to firefox. Every security fix applied to firefox esr is also applied to Umbra.

[-] brbposting@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago

That makes you different eh? Love that. Means I could actually use it :D

[-] faizalr@piefed.social 8 points 3 days ago

Cool project. Will it support existing extension?

[-] jerrimu@lemmy.world 13 points 3 days ago

Yeah it supports all firefox extensions. We kept the parts that don't spy on you.

[-] faizalr@piefed.social 5 points 3 days ago

Will it support sync between devices as well?

[-] jerrimu@lemmy.world 10 points 3 days ago

I don't like browsers phoning home, even when it's convenient. You can import history/password from another browser.

[-] orochi02@feddit.org 1 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Its encrypted tho as far as i know (Unless just privacy is your concern). But Yea to each their own

[-] anthropozaen@feddit.org 5 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

If you want hardened Firefox with sync you could use Librewolf.

[-] faizalr@piefed.social 1 points 3 days ago
this post was submitted on 04 Mar 2026
61 points (96.9% liked)

Privacy

46763 readers
741 users here now

A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

Some Rules

Related communities

much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)

founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS