[APP][5.1+] TrackerControl: Control Trackers and Ads

[kasnder]

What is this about?

TrackerControl allows users to monitor and control the widespread, ongoing, hidden data collection in mobile apps about user behaviour ('tracking').

To detect tracking, TrackerControl combines the power of the Disconnect blocklist, used by Firefox, and our in-house blocklist is used, created from analysing ~2 000 000 apps!

Additionally, TrackerControl supports standard blocklists.

This approach

• reveals the companies behind tracking,
• allows to block tracking selectively, and
• exposes the purposes of tracking, such as analytics or advertising.

The app also aims to educate about your rights under Data Protection Law, such the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Under the hood, TrackerControl uses Android's VPN functionality, to analyse apps' network communications locally on the Android device. This is accomplished through a local VPN server, to enable network traffic analysis by TrackerControl.

No external VPN server is used, to keep your data safe!

How to get it?

TrackerControl is available on F-Droid, the most popular open-source Android app store:

Alternatively, the app can be downloaded directly from GitHub, including automatic checks for updates:

https://trackercontrol.org/​

Problems?

• You have another VPN service, such as NetGuard? Sorry, only one VPN supported.
• You are on Android 9+? Try to disable 'Private DNS' from the settings.
• You are on Lineage OS 15.1 / 16? This has known issues with VPN.

Disclaimer: The usage of this app is at your own risk. No app can offer 100% protection against tracking.

XDA:DevDB Information
TrackerControl, App for all devices (see above for details)

Contributors
kasnder
Source Code: https://github.com/OxfordHCC/tracker-control-android


Version Information
Status: Stable

Created 2020-09-12
Last Updated 2020-09-12

 

[kasnder]

Latest version fixes some issues with Android 11!

 

[JeepFreak]

It won't install for me on Android 11 w/ F-Droid. I just get "Error installing TrackerControl: Failed to install due to an unknown error"

 

[kasnder]

It won't install for me on Android 11 w/ F-Droid. I just get "Error installing TrackerControl: Failed to install due to an unknown error"

This is a frustrating error of F-Droid. Try the GitHub version.

 

[Nvkw]

Does the battery consume much?

 

[The_Overthinker]

Does the battery consume much?

No, negligible. You won't notice any difference from your normal battery usage.

 

[skivnit]

HoW is this different from let's say blokada or adguard ?great tool nonetheless

 

[kasnder]

HoW is this different from let's say blokada or adguard ?great tool nonetheless

The tool is meant to show you more insights into blocking (e.g. the type of tracking, the companies behind tracking, and destination countries), whilst allowing granular blocking for each app.

By default, all detected tracker communications are blocked, including google.com. This will break stuff and needs more configuration for each app but reduces unwanted and unexpected data collection.

 

[kasnder]

New version comes in 8 languages!

Download here: https://github.com/OxfordHCC/tracker-control-android

 

[kasnder]

TrackerControl now has its own, dedicated website: https://trackercontrol.org/

It's tracker-free.

 

[vangry2020]

Too bad it doesn't support custom dns addresses and requires a vpn to use. Would be nice to make it work together with Adguard.

 

[kasnder]

Too bad it doesn't support custom dns addresses and requires a vpn to use. Would be nice to make it work together with Adguard.

You're right about AdGuard. The VPN solution is meant to make the app easy to use.

However, you can add custom DNS addresses and custom blocklist, auch as AdGuard's, in the settings.

 

[kasnder]

New release:

- FEATURE: Add port forwarding
- Categorise more trackers, add 'Fingerprinting' category
- Fix problems with Android 11
- Clarify updating of block list in UI
- Update translations, libraries, and block list

Download: https://github.com/OxfordHCC/tracke...nload/TrackerControl-githubRelease-latest.apk

 

[JamesBott]

Excuse my excelent english , i hope you understand.
Nothing's in the world is for nothing. This cost your Time, the webside cost ...
My money will traveling to you. 2 way's: donate-button or make a pro-version.
I pay for pro-version 5€. Only to help you.

lovely greatings
James

 

[TechShelter]

I'm very impressed with the usability and granularity of this app, but I need to retain the ability to use VPNs. Is there a similar solution for root user? Or is there a way for root users to "chain" VPN connections and use TrackerControl with other VPNs?

 

[kasnder]

I'm very impressed with the usability and granularity of this app, but I need to retain the ability to use VPNs. Is there a similar solution for root user? Or is there a way for root users to "chain" VPN connections and use TrackerControl with other VPNs?

I'm afraid that this is still an open problem. Blokada offers VPN for its Pro users, but you need to pay, must trust the Blokada company with your network traffic, and will have a different user experience compared to TC.

 

[kasnder]

Excuse my excelent english , i hope you understand.
Nothing's in the world is for nothing. This cost your Time, the webside cost ...
My money will traveling to you. 2 way's: donate-button or make a pro-version.
I pay for pro-version 5€. Only to help you.

lovely greatings
James

Hi James,

This is very kind. There are no plans to introduced any payment or donation option. It's just a personal project. This will mean that updates for TC take more time, the app frontend is less fancy than for similar apps, but hopefully to create an app that you can trust.

 

[TechShelter]

I'm afraid that this is still an open problem. Blokada offers VPN for its Pro users, but you need to pay, must trust the Blokada company with your network traffic, and will have a different user experience compared to TC.

It's not just privacy type VPNs I need, I also use VPN to access my home network and work. The best workaround I've found so far is to create additional work profiles using Island or the FOSS fork Insular. Each Android work profile has a separate network connection, so this at least allows me to use all the VPNs I want concurrently, including TrackControl. But not together on the same profile as you're aware.

I saw another post indicating that chaining VPNs together on the same profile requires root access, which I'm fine with, but I still haven't located any info how to actually execute this.

Kudos for creating a great piece of software that really fills a need. You've managed to create a package that is highly effective and reasonably straightforward, not a simple task. Thank you for your work.

 

[kasnder]

The best workaround I've found so far is to create additional work profiles using Island or the FOSS fork Insular. Each Android work profile has a separate network connection, so this at least allows me to use all the VPNs I want concurrently, including TrackControl. But not together on the same profile as you're aware.

I like this workaround! I've added this here: https://github.com/OxfordHCC/tracker-control-android/issues/61

One thing that I'm considering adding is automatic changing of DNS, depending on WiFi networks. This would allow to switch to PI Hole in a local WiFi network if needed.

 

[Tanzin01]

Fabulous interface!! One thing, what's your thought on adding a quick pad for blocking url?

I.e let's say in log, I found ads.alibaba.bla and want to block. May be a option to send it so block list?

Well the app is a lot cleaner, so may be in advance options, a option with a pad where I write a url, and url will be added to block list?

 

[kasnder]

Fabulous interface!! One thing, what's your thought on adding a quick pad for blocking url?

I.e let's say in log, I found ads.alibaba.bla and want to block. May be a option to send it so block list?

Well the app is a lot cleaner, so may be in advance options, a option with a pad where I write a url, and url will be added to block list?

Glad you like it! I'm on it!

I want to add domain-based blocking soon. Users would then be able to choose whether they like the easy blocking or want to use advanced blocking instead.