Epic (web browser) explained

Epic
Developer:Hidden Reflex
Latest Release Version:120.0.6099.71[1]
Latest Release Date:
Operating System:Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Engine:Blink
License:Proprietary[2]

Epic is an Indian proprietary privacy-centric web browser developed by Hidden Reflex using Chromium source code.[3] Epic is always in private browsing mode, and exiting the browser deletes all browser data. The browser's developers claim that Google's tracking code has been removed, and that blocks other companies from tracking the user.[4] [5]

History

Epic was released on August 29, 2013, with some features for Indian users specifically. The browser integrates widgets such as social networking, chat clients, and email facilities.[6] [7] [8] [9]

Features

Epic's default configuration removes session data (such as cookies, history, and cache) upon closing the browser. The browser includes a proxy service that can be enabled by the user, and is automatically enabled when using a search engine. The browser also prefers SSL connections and always sends a Do Not Track header.[10]

AD and user activity trackers (e.g. cookies) are blocked by default by the Epic browser. The browser also blocks cryptocurrency miners from running on the user's system. The browsers' fingerprinting protection blocks access to image canvas, font canvas, and audio context data.[11] WebRTC IP Address Leaking is also blocked by default.

The Epic Proxy service can relay connections through the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Netherlands, and Singapore. The company claims it to be encrypted, and runs DNS through it.

Supplementary services found in the Chromium browser that send data to external servers, such as address bar suggestion and installation tracking, are removed in Epic to reduce the scope of potential data leakage.[10]

Critical reception

Computerworld published an article on Epic in the month of July 2020. The article describes many of the features claimed by Epic, such as blocking of ads, tracking, referrer header data, and "fingerprint", proxy/VPN. As Google's servers are not used, functions such as auto-suggest in the address box and language translation are either handled by Epic locally or not available. The article says that the Epic FAQ warns users not to sign into their Gmail account: "if you're logged into Gmail, then Google can track your searches". Very few Chrome add-ons are supported due to privacy risk. Some sites do not work with Epic; in those cases the IE Tab add-on will open the page in Internet Explorer. According to owner Hidden Reflex, the company was working on a way to sustain itself, perhaps offering premium privacy services, sponsors on the new tab page, and private search sponsors.[12]

While Epic is not open source software, the company states that it will release files to be audited.[13]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Download Epic Privacy Browser for PC . epic-browser.en.softonic.com . August 14, 2022 . July 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210724023518/https://epic-browser.en.softonic.com/download . live .
  2. Web site: Epic Browser Terms & Conditions . Hidden Reflex . January 20, 2014 . July 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210724233701/https://epicbrowser.com/tou.html . live .
  3. Web site: Epic Privacy Browser. September 8, 2013. July 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210724023616/https://epicbrowser.com/. live.
  4. Web site: Epic Privacy Browser Features. Epic is a secure chromium-based web browser that protects your privacy online.. www.epicbrowser.com. en. February 18, 2018. July 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210724233730/https://www.epicbrowser.com/our-key-features.html. live.
  5. Web site: Custom Chrome Browser Promises More Privacy, No Tracking. August 30, 2013 . January 29, 2017. January 23, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210123233413/https://www.darkreading.com/risk-management/custom-chrome-browser-promises-more-privacy-no-tracking/d/d-id/1111356. live.
  6. Web site: Indian Startup Launches Epic Web Browser. Sharma. Ojas. July 15, 2010. PC World. July 15, 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120426140349/http://www.pcworld.in/news/indian-startup-launches-epic-web-browser-29372010. April 26, 2012.
  7. Web site: PRWeb/Hidden Reflex . Hidden Reflex Launches New Epic Privacy Browser To Confront Growing Anxieties About Online Privacy . August 29, 2013 . July 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210724234327/https://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/8/prweb11063606.htm . live .
  8. News: PTI . Epic: first web browser for India launched . The Hindu . July 15, 2010 . July 16, 2010 . October 20, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121020023101/http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/internet/article517259.ece . live .
  9. Web site: First Browser with an Indian Origin – Epic . Techtree.com . July 16, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100718062644/http://www.techtree.com/India/News/First_Browser_with_an_Indian_Origin_-_Epic/551-112290-643.html . July 18, 2010 .
  10. Web site: How Epic Protects You. Epic Privacy Browser. September 8, 2013. July 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210724023616/https://epicbrowser.com/#three. live.
  11. Web site: Epic Privacy Browser Features. Epic is a secure chromium-based web browser that protects your privacy online.. epicbrowser.com. July 17, 2019. July 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210724233730/https://www.epicbrowser.com/our-key-features.html. live.
  12. Web site: What is the Epic browser (and what makes it different)? . Computer World . July 3, 2018 . Gregg Keizer . August 21, 2020 . April 23, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210423114908/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3286605/what-is-the-epic-browser-and-what-makes-it-different.html . live .
  13. Web site: Epic Privacy Browser FAQ. Epic is a secure chromium-based web browser that protects your privacy online. . Epic Browser . August 21, 2020 . July 7, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210707192921/https://www.epicbrowser.com/FAQ.html . live .

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