A privacy-focused version of Google Chromium without Google services integration.
ungoogled-chromium is a privacy-focused, open-source fork of Google Chromium that removes all dependency on Google web services and pre-built binaries. It aims to provide a Chromium experience without Google integration by disabling features like Google Host Detector, Safe Browsing, and background requests to Google domains. The project also includes optional tweaks to enhance user privacy, control, and transparency, though most require manual activation.
This browser is targeted at privacy-conscious users, developers, and system administrators who want a Chromium-based browser without Google's data collection, telemetry, or reliance on proprietary services. It's also suitable for Linux distribution maintainers and open-source advocates seeking a de-Googled web browser for their platforms.
Developers choose ungoogled-chromium over other Chromium forks because it strictly focuses on removing Google dependencies while retaining the default Chromium experience as a drop-in replacement. Its unique selling point is the lightweight approach using configuration flags, patches, and domain substitution to block Google services, without adding significant custom features that alter the core browser behavior.
Google Chromium, sans integration with Google
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Disables all Google-specific domains and services like Google Host Detector and Safe Browsing, ensuring no background requests to Google as outlined in the Key Features section.
Aims to be a drop-in replacement for Chromium, retaining the default experience closely, which is a core objective per the README.
Adds numerous command-line switches and chrome://flags entries for fine-grained privacy settings, though most require manual activation as stated in the Enhancing Features.
Available through various package managers and distributions for Linux, macOS, Windows, and more, as listed in the Downloads section.
Disables Google Safe Browsing, a critical security feature for protecting against malicious websites, as acknowledged in the FAQ, leaving users vulnerable without alternatives.
Most privacy-enhancing features are disabled by default and require manual enabling via flags or switches, adding complexity and reducing usability for non-technical users.
Building from source involves multiple steps and platform-specific configurations, as detailed in the Building Instructions, which can be daunting and time-consuming.
Relies on contributor binaries for some platforms, which are not reproducible and carry a risk of tampering, as warned in the Downloads section, compromising trust.