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Remove Cookies on Exit from Safari?

Cookies are one of the most intrusive and dangerous sources of malware on the 'net, along with some desirable qualities.


I have always set up my browsers to accept cookies from sites I visit, and to delete all cookies on exit from the browser as both a security and a privacy move. This setting is available on almost all browsers.


Except for the latest versions of Safari, so far as I can tell.


This is a surprise since Apple is establishing a usually well deserved reputation for protecting customer privacy and security. In current versions of Safari, the only choices available to the user are to either manually erase cookies, or prevent all cookies. Neither setting makes much sense. Many sites won't work if you eliminate all cookies, and rendering cookie removal an active as opposed to a passive process renders Safari almost useless for anyone concerned about privacy and security.


Has anyone determined a method to compel Safari to erase cookies on exit to rid the user's machine of these pesky little critters?


For now, I regrettably continue to use Firefox and Opera out of security and privacy concerns in Safari.


Thanks!

Mac Pro, macOS High Sierra (10.13.4), 64Gb RAM, 500Gb SSD

Posted on Dec 3, 2018 6:53 AM

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4 replies

Dec 3, 2018 10:35 AM in response to William Mcclatchey1

You are welcome. All cookies downloaded when using a Private Window are deleted when the window is closed. Data is cleared. Go to Safari/Preferences/General and set Safari open with to A new Private window. From the article.


  • Safari doesn’t store your open webpages in iCloud, so they aren’t shown when you view all your open tabs from other devices.
  • Your recent searches aren’t included in the results list when you use the address and search field.
  • Items you download aren’t included in the downloads list. (The items do remain on your computer.)
  • If you use Handoff, Private Browsing windows are not passed to your iOS devices or other Mac computers.
  • Safari doesn’t remember changes to your cookies or other website data. Safari also asks websites and others who provide those sites with content (including advertisers) not to keep track of your browsing, although it is up to the websites to honor this request.
  • Plug-ins that support Private Browsing stop storing cookies and other tracking information.

Dec 3, 2018 9:45 AM in response to Eric Root

Eric,


Thank you for taking the time to respond.


I am not clear from the reference just what the behavior of Safari is regarding cookies in Private Browsing.


Are cookies placed by websites I visit? Or is this left to web site vendors' response to my requests?


If cookies are placed, what happens to them?


Can Safari be left in Private Mode full time, or must it be reset each time it is opened?


Is all data cleared each time it is used?


Thanks!

Remove Cookies on Exit from Safari?

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