Do Not Track (DNT) is a browser setting that tells websites not to place cookies. It has two components: a signal that lets users say they donât want to be tracked and guidelines for how organizations should respond.
DNT was intended to shield users from online tracking and minimize targeted advertising. Unfortunately, as it lacks a mechanism for enforcement, the setting was never able to effectively limit browser tracking.
Ultimately, DNT is only a request, one thatâs not supported by any major privacy legislation. Companies arenât compelled to stop tracking a userâs online movements after receiving a DNT signal, so many just ignore it.
Despite its shortcomings, DNT is still supported by Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Google Chromeâthough not Apple Safari.