Mullvad VPN releases its own web browser in collaboration with Tor Project

VPN provider Mullvad is working with Tor Project on a privacy-friendly web browser. Mullvad Browser is intended to run in combination with a VPN, but that is not mandatory. The web browser is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

The Mullvad Browser is based on Firefox ESR, just like the Tor Browser. However, Mullvad’s browser doesn’t work over the Tor network; instead, the web browser connects to the regular internet. According to the maker, Mullvad Browser is mainly intended to run in combination with a VPN, but that does not necessarily have to be Mullvad’s. The browser can also be used without a VPN connection.

Mullvad and Tor Project write that the Mullvad Browser is intended to limit fingerprinting and tracking by third parties. For example, the web browser automatically sets the time zone to UTC and limits the number of installed fonts available for web pages in the web browser. The keyboard layout and system language are also masked.

Furthermore, Mullvad Browser automatically blocks third-party cookies and trackers. The browser comes standard with a number of pre-installed extensions: uBlock Origin, NoScript and the Mullvad browser extension. Private mode is also enabled by default, which automatically deletes cookies, cache, and browser history after the browser is closed.

The new web browser is available immediately. Versions are available for Windows and macOS. There is also a Linux version, in the form of a tar file.