Chrome New Tab Privacy Settings: Protect Your Data While Customizing

Your new tab extension sees every tab you open. That's powerful functionality — but also a potential privacy concern. Understanding how extensions handle your data is essential for making informed choices.

This guide explains privacy settings, permissions, and how to choose privacy-respecting new tab extensions.

Why Privacy Matters for New Tab Extensions

What New Tab Extensions Can See

When you install a new tab extension, it may have access to:

The Privacy Spectrum

New tab extensions range from privacy-focused to privacy-invasive:

MOST PRIVATE                                    LEAST PRIVATE
     │                                                │
     ▼                                                ▼
Local Storage Only ─── Cloud Sync ─── Account Required ─── Data Selling

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Understanding Extension Permissions

Common Permissions Explained

When installing a Chrome extension, you'll see permission requests. Here's what they mean:

"Read and change all your data on all websites"

• What it means: Full access to every page you visit
• Why needed: Some features require page interaction
• Risk level: Very High
• For new tabs: Usually not necessary — avoid extensions requesting this

"Read your browsing history"

• What it means: Access to sites you've visited
• Why needed: "Most visited sites" shortcut features
• Risk level: High
• Alternative: Use extensions that don't require this

"Access your data on chrome://new-tab-page"

• What it means: Can replace your new tab page
• Why needed: Required for new tab functionality
• Risk level: Low
• Verdict: This one is expected and acceptable

"Store data in local storage"

• What it means: Save settings/data on your device
• Why needed: Remember your preferences
• Risk level: Very Low
• Verdict: Preferred over cloud storage

Permission Red Flags

Avoid new tab extensions that request:

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Data Storage: Local vs. Cloud

Local-Only Storage

Data stays entirely on your device.

Advantages:

• Complete privacy control
• Works offline
• No account required
• Data portable (your machine, your data)
• No server vulnerabilities

Disadvantages:

• No sync across devices
• Lost if you reset Chrome/computer
• Manual backup required

Extensions using local storage:

• Dream Afar
• Tabliss
• Bonjourr

Cloud Storage

Data synced to company servers.

Advantages:

• Sync across devices
• Automatic backup
• Access from anywhere

Disadvantages:

• Company has your data
• Account required
• Server breaches possible
• Privacy policy dependent
• Data may be analyzed/sold

Questions to ask:

• Where are servers located?
• Who can access the data?
• What's the privacy policy?
• Is data encrypted?
• Can data be deleted?

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Evaluating Extension Privacy

Step 1: Check the Privacy Policy

Before installing, read the extension's privacy policy.

Green flags:

• Clear, plain language
• Specific about data collected
• Explains how data is used
• Provides data deletion options
• No third-party sharing

Red flags:

• Vague language ("may collect")
• Long, complex legal text
• Third-party data sharing
• "For improving services" without specifics
• No deletion mechanism

Step 2: Review Permissions

In Chrome Web Store:

1. Scroll to "Privacy practices"
2. Review listed permissions
3. Compare to what the extension needs

Rule of thumb: If an extension needs 10 permissions to display wallpapers and a clock, something is wrong.

Step 3: Check the Source

Open source:

• Code publicly viewable
• Community can audit
• Harder to hide malicious code
• Examples: Tabliss, Bonjourr

Closed source:

• Must trust the developer
• No code verification possible
• Most commercial extensions

Step 4: Research the Developer

• How long has the developer existed?
• What's their business model?
• Have there been security incidents?
• Is there a real company behind it?

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Privacy-First New Tab Extensions

Tier 1: Maximum Privacy

Dream Afar

Tabliss

Bonjourr

Tier 2: Acceptable Privacy

Momentum

Notes: Account needed for sync, but core features work without.

Tier 3: Privacy Trade-offs

Start.me

Notes: Account mandatory, data stored on company servers.

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Chrome's Built-in Privacy Settings

Even without extensions, Chrome's default new tab has privacy considerations.

Disable Chrome's New Tab Data Collection

1. Open Chrome → Settings
2. Go to "Privacy and security"
3. Select "Cookies and other site data"
4. Review settings for new tab behavior

Control Shortcuts/Most Visited

The "most visited" sites feature tracks your browsing:

1. New tab → "Customize Chrome"
2. Select "Shortcuts"
3. Choose "My shortcuts" (manual) instead of "Most visited sites" (tracked)

Disable Search Suggestions

Chrome sends what you type to Google for suggestions:

1. Settings → "Sync and Google services"
2. Disable "Autocomplete searches and URLs"
3. Reduces data sent to Google

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Protecting Your Data

Regular Privacy Audits

Monthly, review your extensions:

1. Go to chrome://extensions
2. Check each extension's permissions
3. Remove unused extensions
4. Research any unfamiliar ones

Export/Backup Local Data

For local-storage extensions:

1. Check settings for "Export" option
2. Save backup to secure location
3. Repeat monthly

Use Privacy-Focused Browser Settings

Complement extension privacy with browser settings:

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Incognito Mode Considerations

How Extensions Work in Incognito

By default, extensions don't run in incognito mode.

To enable:

1. chrome://extensions
2. Click extension → "Details"
3. Enable "Allow in incognito"

Privacy Implications

In incognito mode:

• Local storage may not persist
• Extension data resets each session
• Settings need reconfiguration

Recommendation: Use incognito for sensitive browsing, regular mode for productivity setup.

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The Business Model Question

Ask yourself: How does this free extension make money?

Sustainable Models

Concerning Models

Rule: If the product is free and the business model is unclear, you might be the product.

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Quick Privacy Checklist

Before installing any new tab extension:

• Read the privacy policy
• Check required permissions
• Verify data storage (local vs. cloud)
• Research the developer
• Consider the business model
• Check if open source (bonus)
• Look for account requirements
• Read user reviews for privacy concerns

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Recommended Setup for Privacy

Maximum privacy:

1. Install Dream Afar or Tabliss
2. Use local storage only
3. Don't create any accounts
4. Disable unnecessary permissions
5. Use manual location (not GPS) for weather
6. Regularly audit extension permissions

Balanced privacy/features:

1. Choose local-storage extension
2. Enable sync only if necessary
3. Use minimal permissions
4. Review privacy policy
5. Export/backup settings regularly

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Related Articles

• The Ultimate Guide to Chrome New Tab Customization
• Best Free New Tab Extensions for Chrome 2025
• Privacy-First Browser Extensions: Why Local Storage Matters

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Want privacy-first new tab customization? Install Dream Afar free →