Is the Browser Opera safe now it’s Chinese-owned?
Opera. Once a browser hailed as revolutionary, what has happened to it in recent years? A Chinese consortium purchased Opera after the Norwegian company Opera Limited’s failed public share offer for $1.2 billion was rejected, prompting some to fear using software controlled by Chinese companies. Is this an accurate portrayal, though?
Opera provides multiple forms of online security to guard against identity theft and other web-borne threats, such as phishing and malware protection which checks webpages against databases of known fraudulent websites.
Brief History and the Chinese Acquisition
Opera Software claims 350 million users for its browser, mobile advertising, and video compression services – particularly its innovative built-in ad-blocking feature and data and video compression technologies for mobile phones.
Before the Chinese Acquisition
Originating in Norway, Opera was renowned for its innovative browsing features and a staunch commitment to user privacy and security. Its iconic offerings included an integrated VPN, a built-in ad blocker, and a unique Turbo Mode, facilitating faster browsing on slower connections. Minimal data collection and consistent dedication to pioneering web standards underscored its reputation.
The consortium behind the acquisition includes gaming firm Beijing Kunlun Tech, cybersecurity specialist Qihoo 360 Technology, Golden Brick Silk Road Equity Investment Fund, and Yonglian Investment. According to their statement, they intend to promote their products to Opera userbase through the Norway-based company’s mobile ad platform, Opera Mediaworks, thus giving them direct access to China’s 350 million Internet users.
Once the CEO of Opera, Lars Boilesen, the inventor of CSS, agreed with the shareholders. It marked an increasing trend among Chinese technology companies to make acquisitions abroad to expand their reach and access new markets; one consortium member — Beijing Kunlun Tech – already purchased 60 percent of Grindr to increase its presence among gay men.
Post-Chinese Acquisition Concerns
The Chinese owners have maintained commitments to privacy and security. Given China’s stringent tech regulations, the chief among these is data privacy. The integrity and confidentiality of Opera’s integrated VPN also became a topic of debate. Is this an extension of the Great Firewall? While rooted in geopolitical shifts, these concerns underscore the need for ongoing independent security assessments of the browser.
Security Protocols Post-Acquisition
Concerns have been expressed over reports that this company may be misusing user data to target ads and services directly to them, with reports showing users receiving ads tailored directly to them based on browsing histories; furthermore, the information gleaned has even been used by them to develop their own games offerings.
No matter where you access the internet from, any browser poses a risk of spying. To stay safe online and protect yourself against privacy leaks, a VPN can encrypt all your internet activity and ensure a more secure online experience.
Security Protocols Post-Acquisition
Since the acquisition, whispers about the company’s potential misuse of user data have gained traction. Some users have reported witnessing targeted ads eerily aligned with their browsing histories, fueling speculations about the extent of data access. There’s also chatter about the company leveraging this user information to shape its gaming offerings.
In today’s digital landscape, user privacy remains a universal concern irrespective of the browser or region. Leveraging tools like VPNs isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity. VPNs cloak your internet activity, adding an encryption layer and ensuring a more guarded online presence.
Evolving Security Measures After the Acquisition
With the transition in Opera’s ownership, the broader tech community has been watchful, trying to discern shifts in the company’s approach to user data. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the browser might be venturing into a more aggressive advertising model, with users citing targeted ads that resonate closely with their online behaviors. Beyond just ads, there’s speculation that this granulated data access is shaping the company’s diversification into the gaming sector.
It’s a crucial reminder that in the interconnected realm of the internet, privacy risks lurk at every corner, regardless of the platform or service. As netizens, the onus to protect our digital footprint falls on us. Employing tools such as VPNs goes beyond encryption; it’s about reclaiming our digital autonomy, ensuring that our online interactions remain private and secure.
How Opera Handles User Information
W3schools ranks Opera at around 1% in browser popularity, but its features are quite amazing. Some of its stand-out benefits are speed dial, private/incognito window browsing, tabbed browsing, and the option to disable images. Opera also supports multiple user profiles on one device, separating work data from personal information much more straightforward.
Other features, like saving pages as PDFs and using its camera to capture full web pages or cropped areas of text, are unique to the Opera browser. You can use its latter feature to add websites directly onto its Speed Dial page that opens each time you launch Opera.
Search, copying, and sending text from selected websites directly from the toolbar is another convenient feature – eliminating the need for third-party extensions to get these functions and making life much simpler when doing research or writing. This feature is especially handy for academic research projects or writing papers.
Opera mobile browsers also allow you to connect with various VPN services, providing added protection online while improving browsing performance – mainly if using free services such as NordVPN.
Opera’s Privacy Policy is an accessible, GDPR-compliant document that clearly outlines its terms and conditions for collecting user information. You may opt out of some telemetry features which collect usage data to recommend better content; they’re usually disabled by default, but you can enable them via Settings Menu; once enabled, when extensions attempt to collect this type of data about you they will ask your permission before collecting information about you. How confident are you that this isn’t bypassed, regardless? Well, if you’re not worried about every other significant browser and advertisement company snooping on you, you’ll probably be ok.
Opera Browser Timeline
Opera Features vs. Other Popular Browsers
Opera is an impressive browser with plenty of built-in utility tools, providing its users with easy screenshot taking, spell checking, Reader Mode distraction-free browsing, an audio player built right in, a crypto wallet for secure online transactions, and much more. These are just some features that set it apart from its competition.
Opera is built on Chromium (even the Chinese are happy to employ Google tech!) and, therefore, compatible with most extensions and add-ons found in Chrome, such as Turbo mode, which compresses data on web pages to speed up loading times and decreases bandwidth usage on mobile devices. Furthermore, Opera’s Battery Saver mode saves battery life by disabling unnecessary plug-ins and reducing background activity. Picture-in-picture allows you to watch videos simultaneously while working on other websites or programs.
Opera boasts additional security features not offered by other browsers, including fraud and malware protection, extended Validation Certificate Checking (EV), regular updates, and an Ad Blocker preventing ads on sites you visit.
Feedback on Opera’s Performance Trustworthiness
Opera has long been seen as an alternative to Google’s Chrome browser. While its sleek design differs from Chromium-based browsers, Opera has developed unique features that set itself apart.
It was the first major browser to offer an in-built cryptocurrency wallet, making transactions with popular digital currencies like Bitcoin more accessible than ever. Furthermore, its built-in ad blocker doesn’t require installing extensions like uBlock Origin, with three default lists that cover the most annoying ads. Moreover, voice control compatibility was added, providing an easy way for bookmarks, notes, links, and videos to sync between devices.
Some users may be wary of China owning Opera due to China’s ability to force technology companies into creating backdoors into their products. Yet, as Opera remains based in Norway with a GDPR-compliant privacy policy, they should find it safe.
The Truth Behind Opera?