Louisiana Residents Beware: This Internet Browser Could Be Spying on You

KNGT-FM - Are you being watched every time you open your web browser? Louisiana residents might be handing over more of their private information than they think, without even realizing it. Our friends over at AL.com are giving us some insight into what we need to do...

An old warning from Apple is gaining new attention in 2025, and it’s making people across the country, including right here in Louisiana, ask the big question: Is Chrome watching everything I do online?

Back in 2024, Apple posted a short YouTube video called “Privacy on iPhone: Flock.” It’s a funny—but kind of creepy—parody of the old movie The Birds by Alfred Hitchcock. In the video, flying security cameras are shown following people around and spying on their every move. But when a person opens Apple’s Safari browser, the camera-birds explode and disappear.

Apple never directly says the word "Chrome," but it’s clear they are taking a shot at Google’s popular internet browser. The title "Flock" seems to be a nod to FLoC — a technology Google used in Chrome that grouped users together to help advertisers target them with ads.

Chrome vs. Safari: Which Is Safer?

Apple says Safari is safer because it doesn’t allow outside websites to track what you do. Chrome, on the other hand, does collect data, even if it says it’s trying to protect your privacy.

Google says it’s working on something called Privacy Sandbox, a plan to build better privacy tools while keeping the internet free and supported by ads. But with Google backing away from removing third-party cookies, some people are starting to lose trust.

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Google says it still plans to improve Incognito Mode and add more privacy tools by the end of 2025. That includes something called IP Protection, which is supposed to hide your location from advertisers.

If you’re in Louisiana and you care about your online privacy, it might be a good time to take a look at which browser you’re using.

Here are a few quick tips:

• Try Safari or Firefox if you want more privacy.
• Use Incognito Mode when you don’t want websites to track you (but remember, it’s not foolproof).
• Adjust your browser settings to limit tracking and cookies.
• Stay informed about changes to privacy policies and tech updates.

Your personal information is valuable, and some companies make billions by collecting and selling it. So be smart, stay alert, and choose your browser wisely.