Allow option to disable Safari link auditing

Originator:futuretap
Number:rdar://49731607 Date Originated:April 9 2019, 1:26 PM
Status:Duplicate/49636628/Open Resolved:
Product:Safari Product Version:12.1
Classification:Security Reproducible:Always
 
duplicate of rdar://47000341

Summary:
You can disable anchor ping, AKA hyperlink auditing, in Safari Version 12.0.2 (13606.3.4.1.4) with a Terminal command:
$ defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2HyperlinkAuditingEnabled -bool false

However, this does no longer work since Safari 12.1.

Steps to Reproduce:
defaults write com.apple.Safari com.apple.Safari.ContentPageGroupIdentifier.WebKit2HyperlinkAuditingEnabled -bool false

open https://lapcatsoftware.com/articles/Safari-link-tracking.html
Follow the "Ping Me" link

Expected Results:
There should be no ping POST

Actual Results:
A ping POST to underpassapp.com is sent.

Notes:
I'm fully aware that disabling hyperlink auditing won't fix the various tracking methods (e.g. through redirect chains) invented by the ad industry. However, this makes it even easier for them and gives them an additional tool at their disposal.

Please increase your efforts in fighting ad tracking, instead of limiting them!

Comments

see also

https://lapcatsoftware.com/articles/Safari-link-tracking.html

(unfortunately, rdar://problem/47000341 is not here on Open Radar.)

By futuretap at April 9, 2019, 11:28 a.m. (reply...)

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