The Disturbing Truth Behind Opera GX

Introducing Opera GX - The Browser for Gamers

This section introduces Opera GX, a browser designed specifically for gamers. It mentions that Opera GX has features such as CPU and RAM limiters, customization options, and a built-in VPN.

Features of Opera GX

• Opera GX is a browser derived from its predecessor, Opera.

• It is designed for gamers and has around 20 million active users.

• The browser offers features like CPU and RAM limiters to optimize gaming performance.

• Users can customize the browser according to their preferences.

• It also includes a built-in VPN for added privacy and security.

Suspicious Nature of Opera GX

This section discusses some concerns regarding the trustworthiness of Opera GX as a company. It mentions past accusations of integrating pop-ups into malware and raises questions about data privacy due to its connection with China.

Accusations against Opera

• In the mid-2010s, Opera was accused of integrating itself into multiple pop-ups that contained malware.

• These pop-ups appeared on suspicious sites claiming to offer free media player updates or browser updates.

• As a result, the user base grew rapidly, reaching around 117 million monthly active users in 2015.

• One concern is that both Opera and Opera GX try to hide their Chinese origins despite being based in China.

Data Privacy Concerns

• Allowing China to hold online data of foreign users raises concerns about potential surveillance activities by the Chinese government.

• Although Opera claims to be a Norwegian company, its parent company Kunlan Tech is located in China.

• Data can be transferred and processed between different parts of the Opera group, including areas where data may be sold more easily.

Spyware Allegations

• Multiple factors contribute to considering Opera as spyware.

• On first launch, Opera makes 83 unsolicited requests, including connections to lowes.com.

• Opera also monitors geolocation data, which is not ideal for a Chinese company to hold.

• Partnerships with companies like Amazon, eBay, and booking.com raise speculation about personalized data tracking.

Concerns about Chinese Government Control

This section delves deeper into the concerns regarding the Chinese government's control over online data and its potential impact on user privacy and security.

Chinese Government Surveillance Activities

• The Chinese government has a history of exerting control over information flow and engaging in surveillance activities.

• Allowing China to hold online data of American users could potentially compromise personal information and sensitive data.

Parent Company Location

• Although Opera claims to be a Norwegian company, its parent company Kunlan Tech is located in China.

• The relationship between the parent company and the brand itself (Opera) is unclear but raises questions about data access and control.

Data Processing within the Opera Group

This section discusses how data processing works within the Opera group and highlights potential privacy concerns associated with it.

Data Processing Structure

• According to Opera's privacy policy, other companies within the Opera group act as data processors for Opera Norway.

• Data can be transferred and processed between different parts of the Opera group.

Potential Privacy Risks

• The ability to transfer and process data within the group raises concerns about potential misuse or sale of user data.

Geolocation Tracking by Opera GX

This section focuses on geolocation tracking by Opera GX and presents an experiment conducted to verify this practice.

Experiment on Geolocation Tracking

• An experiment was conducted to determine if Opera GX tracks geolocation data.

• The Fiddler tool was used to monitor requests made by Opera GX during installation.

• A request from goip.network.n.com, a website known for tracking location, was observed.

Geolocation Data Collected

• Opera GX collects detailed geolocation information, including the exact city, zip code, and latitude and longitude coordinates.

• This level of data collection is not typical for browsers like Google Chrome or Chromium-based browsers.

Privacy and Security Concerns with Opera GX VPN

This section highlights potential privacy and security issues related to using the built-in VPN in Opera GX.

VPN Functionality

• Opera GX offers a built-in VPN for users' privacy and security while browsing.

Privacy Concerns

• There may be some problems with privacy when using the Opera GX VPN.

How a VPN Works

• A VPN routes internet traffic through a secure connection to protect user data from being intercepted or monitored by third parties.

New Section

The user discusses concerns about the privacy and security practices of Opera GX, a web browser that may have access to personal information.

Privacy Concerns with Opera GX

• The user expresses concern about Opera GX's handling of personal information and location data.

• It is unclear whether Opera GX encrypts user data or not.

• The browser has the ability to access personal information such as browsing history and IP address.

• Opera GX's practices, such as logging geolocation and rerouting data to their headquarters, raise doubts about trustworthiness.

New Section

The user suggests an alternative browser and shares their experience with Brave.

Alternative Browser - Brave

• The user recommends using Brave instead of Opera GX due to concerns with the latter's privacy practices.

• Brave offers similar features to Opera GX but uses less RAM without compromising speed.