"The Best Web Browser" Isn't Thorium

Summary

The video discusses Thorium Browser, a lesser-known Chromium fork, highlighting its features and potential issues. While commending its dark theme and default 'Do Not Track', it criticizes the lack of documentation and updates, its reliance on Google services, and the difficulty of installation and updates. The video also raises concerns about the browser's future due to its dependency on a single developer and the impending obsolescence of its ad-blocking mechanism with Chromium's shift to Manifest V3.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The Thorium browser is a lesser-known Chromium fork that has recently gained attention due to a video by Chris Titus.
• 🖼️ Thorium includes a basic rebrand with a new name, logo, and theme, but still links to Google Chrome documentation instead of its own.
• 🔒 By default, Thorium enables 'Do Not Track', which is not effective in preventing tracking and can even be harmful due to fingerprinting.
• 🔍 Thorium is not 'ungoogled' and includes Google services like Google Sync and Google search by default.
• 🛠️ The installation process for Thorium is not straightforward, especially for non-Arch users, and lacks clear instructions or maintenance indications.
• 👤 The project is heavily dependent on a single main developer, Alex, which raises concerns about sustainability and updates.
• 📅 Thorium is currently based on Chromium 117, which is outdated compared to the latest stable version, Chromium 119.
• 🛡️ Security and updates are concerns due to the browser's outdated Chromium base and lack of an automatic update system.
• 🚫 The browser ships with uBlock Origin, but future Chromium updates may break this functionality due to changes in extension support.
• 🌟 Despite issues, Thorium has positive features like enabling JPEG XL by default, DNS over HTTPS, and disabling certain tracking elements.
• 📢 The video creator has reached out to the Thorium developer for discussion and is open to changing his opinion if issues are addressed.

Q & A

What is the Thorium browser?

The Thorium browser is a lesser-known Chromium fork that has recently gained attention, notably due to a Chris Titus video.

What are the visual changes made to the Thorium browser compared to Chromium?

The Thorium browser includes a rebrand with a new name, logo (essentially the Chromium logo with a black ring instead of white), and a new theme that is a darker version of Chrome with more blue accents.

Why does the video creator have reservations about recommending Thorium?

The video creator cannot recommend Thorium due to several legitimate issues such as lack of proper documentation, default enabling of 'Do Not Track' which can be harmful, and the browser not being 'ungoogled'.

What is the issue with the 'Do Not Track' feature in Thorium?

The 'Do Not Track' feature, while seemingly beneficial, is ineffective as many websites ignore it or use it to fingerprint users, making it potentially harmful.

Does Thorium come with any default privacy features?

Yes, Thorium has 'Do Not Track' enabled by default, which is intended to enhance user privacy.

How does the video creator feel about the Thorium browser's branding?

The video creator sees the branding as a minor issue, noting that it is not entirely original and lacks proper documentation.

What is the status of Thorium's documentation?

As of the video script, Thorium lacks compiled documentation, instead directing users to Google Chrome's help pages.

What are the installation options for Thorium?

Thorium can be installed manually through RPM, Deb, or AppImage files, or via an AUR package for Arch Linux users.

Why is the video creator concerned about the browser's update process?

The video creator is concerned because Thorium does not have an automatic update system, which is crucial for ensuring the browser remains secure and up-to-date.

What is the main concern regarding the development and maintenance of Thorium?

The main concern is that the project is heavily reliant on a single developer, which could lead to the project being abandoned or updates ceasing.

What is the current state of Chromium that Thorium is based on?

At the time of the script, Thorium is based on Chromium version 117, which is outdated as newer versions like 118 and 119 have already been released.

What are some of the positive features of Thorium mentioned in the script?

Thorium includes features like enabling JPEG XL by default, DNS over HTTPS, disabling federated learning, and having search engine options beyond the norm.

What is the concern about the future of ad-blocking in Thorium?

The concern is that when Chromium moves away from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3, Thorium's default ad-blocker, Ublock Origin, may not function properly, as it relies on V2.