How to stop Chrome from tracking your interests (Disable Topics API)¶
Google’s Topics API is a feature in Chrome that tracks your browsing habits to show “relevant” ads. Instead of tracking you across websites with cookies, it assigns you interest categories (like “Fitness” or “Travel”) based on what you visit.
Here’s how to disable it—and why you might want to switch to a more private browser.
Turn off topics in chrome¶
Open Chrome and type in the address bar chrome://settings/privacy
Scroll down to “Ad privacy” (or search for it) and disable all three options:
“Ad Topics” (stops interest-based tracking)
“Site-suggested ads” (blocks sites from recommending ads)
“Ad measurement” (prevents tracking ad clicks)
Note: Google may still collect some data, but this reduces how much is used for ads.
Why disabling topics API isn’t enough¶
Even with these settings off, Chrome still:
Tracks your IP address
Keeps browser fingerprinting active
Shares data with Google for “analytics”
For stronger privacy, consider switching browsers.
Switch to a privacy-focused browser¶
Best Alternatives to Chrome:
Firefox + Privacy settings
Blocks trackers by default
Supports extensions like uBlock Origin (best ad blocker)
Enable “Strict” tracking protection in settings
Brave
Built-in ad & tracker blocker
Uses Tor in Private Tabs for extra anonymity
Pays you in crypto (optional) for viewing privacy-respecting ads
Tor browser
The most private option (routes traffic through multiple servers)
Blocks fingerprinting completely
Slower, but ideal for sensitive browsing
Lock down your browser (extra protection)¶
Even if you stick with Chrome, improve privacy by:
Going to
chrome://settings/cookies→ Block third-party cookies