Buzz
A detailed exploration of Opera GX’s security and privacy features
Opera GX is a widely used browser known for its smooth user interface, extensive customization options, and incredibly fast loading speeds. However, concerns about its privacy and security arise due to its ownership by a Chinese investment firm. That said, Opera is a Norwegian company adhering to EU privacy regulations, making it as secure as any browser can be. In this guide, we’ll address your primary questions to help you make an informed choice.
Is Opera GX Safe for Use?
Opera GX, based on Chromium, is a reliable and secure browser. While some users fear its ties to a Chinese corporation, it’s actually owned by a Norwegian company, following strict EU privacy standards. Opera does track user behavior for ad customization, but this is standard practice across most browsers, including Chrome.
How to Ensure Security
Is Opera Safe for Your Computer?
Yes, Opera is a secure and reliable browser. Using Opera won’t cause random virus infections or corrupt your hard drive. However, you could still get a virus if you click on something you shouldn't have, but that’s not Opera’s fault.
- Opera GX comes with a built-in VPN and automatically blocks known harmful links, making it safer than many other browsers.
- Opera GX is based on Chromium, the same engine used by Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Amazon Silk, Avast, and other major browsers. If Opera had unique vulnerabilities, they’d likely affect these browsers as well.
Does Opera Collect Your Data?
No, but like all browsers, it tracks your web activity. Opera collects data on what you click, what you sign up for, and the websites you visit. They claim it’s for displaying relevant ads, which is similar to what browsers like Chrome, Brave, and Edge do. While this may not be ideal for some, it’s not something unique to Opera.
- You can disable data sharing through the Browser Settings menu if you prefer.
Is Opera a Chinese-Owned Company?
Technically, yes, but not in the way you might think. Opera was founded in Norway in 1995. In 2016, it was acquired by a Chinese investment firm. So, while the company is owned by Chinese investors, it’s still headquartered in Norway with no ties to the Chinese government.
- Calling Opera a “Chinese company” is like calling the Golden State Warriors a Sri Lankan team simply because Chamath Palihapitiya is from Sri Lanka.
- Being owned by Chinese investors doesn’t mean the Chinese State or CCP controls Opera, which is what most people worry about when they discuss Chinese companies and privacy concerns.
- Opera’s ownership is quite diverse. Since it went public in 2018, anyone can invest in its shares.
- Even if Opera were entirely Chinese-owned, it wouldn’t necessarily pose a safety risk. Many Chinese companies have excellent safety records, and you likely use some already, such as Smithfield Foods, AMC, GE, Volvo, Riot Games, and Motorola.
Since Opera is based in Norway, it follows European privacy laws. Opera is headquartered in Norway, meaning it’s subject to the privacy regulations that govern the European Union. The most important regulation is the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which is one of the most stringent and well-enforced privacy laws globally.
- Although Norway isn’t officially part of the European Union, it has a special arrangement with the EU through the European Economic Area agreements, effectively making it a member for practical purposes.
Which browser is best for privacy?
Brave and Firefox are likely the top browsers for privacy. While most browsers track your activity to tailor ads, Brave and Mozilla Firefox do not. Both browsers are committed to user privacy, never tracking your data or using it for ad personalization. They are both extremely safe and user-friendly. Brave, built on Chromium, offers a Chrome-like experience, while Firefox is a great choice if you prefer a browser outside the Chromium ecosystem.
- Other excellent options include Tor, DuckDuckGo, and Mullvad, though they are less widely used.
