Getting Started
Is this really free?
Yes! 100% free forever. Gecko Guard is open-source software with all privacy features available at no cost. No subscriptions, no hidden fees, no premium tiers. We're committed to keeping privacy protection accessible to everyone.
Is this open source?
Yes! Gecko Guard is fully open-source under the MIT license. You can review the code, contribute improvements, or fork the project on GitHub.
Can I provide feedback?
Absolutely! We welcome community input:
- Discord: Join our community for discussions
- GitHub Issues: Submit bug reports and feature requests
- Email: contact@privacygecko.com for general suggestions
Privacy & Security
Do you collect my browsing data?
No. We don't collect, store, or transmit any of your browsing data. All processing happens locally on your device.
Why does the extension need so many permissions?
Each permission is essential for privacy protection:
- activeTab: Read current page to apply protections
- declarativeNetRequest: Block unwanted network requests
- storage: Save your preferences locally
- scripting: Inject privacy protection code
Is my data secure?
Yes. Since we don't collect your data, there's nothing to breach. All settings are stored locally on your device using browser security standards.
Can I see what's being blocked?
Yes! Click the extension icon to see real-time blocking statistics and detailed information about what's being protected.
Features
What does the extension actually block?
- Trackers: Analytics, advertising, and social media trackers
- Fingerprinting: Canvas, WebGL, audio, and device fingerprinting
- Cookies: Manages and categorizes cookies with smart deletion
- Social widgets: Facebook, Twitter, and other tracking widgets
Does it block ads?
The extension focuses on privacy protection, not ad blocking. It blocks tracking related to ads but may not block ad display.
Will it slow down my browsing?
No. The extension is optimized for minimal performance impact. Most users see improved page loading due to blocked content.
Can I customize the settings?
Yes! Access settings through the extension popup. You can adjust blocking levels, whitelist sites, and configure cookie management.
Compatibility
Which browsers are supported?
- ✅ Chrome 88+ (Full support)
- ✅ Firefox 91+ (Full compatibility)
- ✅ Brave (Chromium-based)
- ✅ Edge (Chromium-based)
- ❌ Safari (Not currently supported)
Does it work on mobile?
Not yet. Mobile browser extensions have limited capabilities. We're exploring mobile app solutions for future releases.
Can I use it with other privacy extensions?
Generally yes, but some conflicts may occur. We recommend disabling similar extensions to avoid conflicts and maximize performance.
Does it work on all websites?
Yes, the extension works on all websites. Some sites with strict Content Security Policies may limit certain protections.
Technical
How do I install it manually?
See our User Guide for detailed installation steps for Chrome and Firefox.
The extension isn't working properly
Try these steps:
- Ensure latest version is installed
- Disable other privacy/security extensions temporarily
- Clear browser cache and restart
- Check browser console for errors
Can I contribute to development?
We welcome community contributions! The extension is open-source. Join our Discord for development discussions.
Future Roadmap
What features are planned for the future?
We're exploring several enhancements based on community feedback:
- Advanced Analytics: Detailed privacy insights and visual reports
- Custom Rules Engine: Create your own blocking rules and filter lists
- Privacy Auditing Tools: Comprehensive website privacy assessments
- Cross-Device Sync: Sync settings across your browsers (privacy-preserving)
- Enhanced Fingerprint Protection: Additional spoofing techniques
Will future features remain free?
Yes. We're committed to keeping Gecko Guard 100% free and open-source. All future features will be available to everyone at no cost.
How can I influence the roadmap?
Join our Discord community to vote on features, suggest ideas, and participate in development discussions. We prioritize features based on community needs.
Support
How do I get help?
- Discord Community: Join here - Active community support
- Email Support: contact@privacygecko.com - Technical issues
- Documentation: Check our User Guide
What information should I include in bug reports?
- Browser name and version
- Operating system
- Extension version
- Steps to reproduce the issue
- Screenshots if applicable
- Browser console errors
How quickly do you respond to issues?
- Discord: Usually within hours during business hours
- Email: 24-48 hours for technical issues
- GitHub Issues: 2-5 business days
Company
Who makes Gecko Guard?
Gecko Guard is developed by a community of privacy advocates and open-source contributors. The project is maintained under the PrivacyGecko organization and welcomes contributions from anyone.
Where can I follow updates?
- Discord: Real-time updates and community discussions
- Website: Major announcements and releases
- GitHub: Technical updates, development progress, and roadmap
How is the project funded?
Gecko Guard is a volunteer-driven open-source project. We accept community donations to cover infrastructure costs, but all features remain free regardless of contributions.