What are the tools for checking website permissions granted on your browser?

In our increasingly digital world, web browsers are not just portals to the internet—they are gateways to our personal data and privacy. Every day, countless websites request access to sensitive information or device features such as your location, camera, microphone, notifications, or even clipboard. While some permissions are necessary for functionality, others might be unnecessary or even intrusive, potentially exposing you to privacy risks or security threats.

As a cybersecurity expert, I often emphasize that understanding and managing website permissions in your browser is a fundamental step to protect your online privacy and security. This blog post dives deep into the tools and methods available for checking and managing website permissions granted on your browser, empowering you to regain control over your digital footprint.

Why Are Website Permissions Important?

Website permissions determine what a website can access on your device or browser environment. Common permission types include:

  • Location Access: Used for maps, weather, or localized content.

  • Camera and Microphone Access: Needed for video calls or capturing images.

  • Notifications: Allows websites to send alerts even when you’re not actively browsing.

  • Cookies and Storage: Track your browsing behavior and save preferences.

  • Pop-ups and Redirects: Some websites use these aggressively to show ads or phishing attempts.

  • Clipboard Access: Reading or writing copied text/data.

Uncontrolled permissions can lead to:

  • Privacy invasion through data leakage.

  • Targeted advertising and profiling.

  • Exposure to malicious scripts or phishing.

  • Battery drain and degraded device performance.

How to Check Website Permissions on Popular Browsers

Most modern browsers provide built-in tools to view and manage website permissions, often accessible via settings or directly through the address bar.

1. Google Chrome

Checking Permissions:

  • Method 1: Using the Address Bar Icon

    • Click the padlock icon (🔒) on the left side of the address bar while visiting a website.

    • Select “Site settings”.

    • Here, you see all permissions granted or blocked for that specific website (e.g., Camera: Allow, Location: Block).

  • Method 2: From Settings

    • Open Chrome Settings (three dots > Settings).

    • Go to Privacy and security > Site Settings.

    • Under Permissions, choose categories like Location, Camera, Microphone, Notifications, etc.

    • Review the list of websites allowed or blocked under each permission.

Example:

Rahul noticed his microphone was constantly active in Chrome. Checking the Site Settings > Microphone list, he found a suspicious site with microphone access he had forgotten about. He immediately revoked the permission.

2. Mozilla Firefox

Checking Permissions:

  • Method 1: Using the Address Bar

    • Click the shield icon (🛡️) or padlock on the left side of the address bar.

    • Click the arrow next to “Connection secure” or “Permissions”.

    • View and adjust permissions like Camera, Microphone, Location, Notifications.

  • Method 2: From Settings

    • Open Firefox Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions.

    • Each permission category (Camera, Microphone, Location, etc.) has a Settings button showing sites with allowed or blocked access.

Example:

Anita uses Firefox to attend online classes. She periodically checks and revokes unnecessary permissions to avoid websites accidentally accessing her camera when not needed.

3. Microsoft Edge

Since Edge is Chromium-based, it shares similarities with Chrome.

Checking Permissions:

  • Click the padlock icon in the address bar > Permissions for this site.

  • Or open Settings > Cookies and site permissions to see detailed permission lists.

Edge offers a detailed permission dashboard where you can manage settings globally or site-by-site.

4. Safari (macOS and iOS)

Checking Permissions:

  • On macOS:

    • Safari Menu > Settings > Websites.

    • Here, permissions like Camera, Microphone, Location, Notifications, and others are listed with sites that have requested access.

    • You can change permissions to Ask, Allow, or Deny.

  • On iOS:

    • Settings App > Safari > Camera & Microphone Access or Location to control site permissions.

Tools to Audit Permissions Across Multiple Sites

While browsers provide built-in tools, third-party extensions and websites offer consolidated permission audits for convenience.

1. MyPermissions Cleaner (Browser Extension)

  • Available for Chrome and Firefox.

  • Scans all connected sites and shows which permissions and data are accessible.

  • Offers quick revoke options and notifications.

2. Privacy Badger

  • Developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

  • Primarily a tracker blocker but also shows what trackers are active per site, indirectly highlighting over-permissioned websites.

3. Lightbeam for Firefox

  • Visualizes third-party trackers and permission usage across sites you visit, helping users understand cross-site data sharing.

4. Online Permission Checkers

  • Some websites like browserleaks.com or privacytests.org simulate permission requests and show what your browser allows or blocks.

Best Practices for Managing Website Permissions

  1. Review permissions regularly — Schedule monthly checks on your browser permissions dashboard.

  2. Use “Ask before access” settings — Instead of granting always-on access, allow temporary access only when needed.

  3. Limit location access — Only provide location to sites that truly require it, like map or delivery services.

  4. Be cautious with camera and microphone — Only grant access to trusted sites and revoke immediately after use.

  5. Block unnecessary notifications — Notifications can be intrusive and a phishing vector.

  6. Clear cookies and site data periodically — This prevents long-term tracking and data storage.

Real-Life Scenario: How Managing Permissions Saved Me from a Potential Scam

Last year, a phishing site attempted to trick me into allowing notification permissions by masquerading as a trusted service. Once granted, it bombarded me with scam ads and malicious links. Because I routinely check my browser’s permissions, I quickly identified and revoked the notifications for that site.

This simple habit prevented further phishing attempts and kept my device secure.

The Role of Incognito and Private Browsing Modes

Most browsers offer private or incognito modes that don’t save cookies or history and reset permissions after the session ends. However, permissions granted during the session still apply temporarily, so always be mindful when granting access even in private mode.

How the Public Can Use This Knowledge Effectively

  • Parents: Regularly check children’s device permissions to prevent apps or websites from unauthorized access to cameras, microphones, or locations.

  • Remote Workers: Verify permissions on work devices to ensure sensitive meetings and documents are not exposed.

  • General Users: Take control of your privacy by auditing permissions and removing those not needed.

Conclusion

Website permissions are powerful tools that enable rich web experiences but can also expose you to privacy and security risks if mismanaged. Every user should make it a habit to regularly check and manage the permissions granted to websites on their browsers.

Using the built-in tools in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari, alongside privacy-focused extensions, you can gain full visibility and control over what data and device features websites access. This not only protects your privacy but also enhances your browsing experience by preventing unwanted interruptions and threats.

Take charge today—review your website permissions and browse the web securely and confidently.

rahulsharma

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