​ ​Supermium is a Chromium-based web browser specifically designed to support legacy Windows operating systems, including Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8.x. Developed by Win32, Supermium aims to provide users of older systems with access to modern web technologies without compromising on performance or security. One of Supermium’s distinguishing features is its commitment to user privacy. The browser incorporates numerous flags from the ungoogled-chromium project, which is known for removing Google-specific services and enhancing privacy. These modifications help minimize background data transmissions and reduce dependencies on external services that may track user behavior.​ Additionally, Supermium supports Google Sync, allowing users to synchronize their bookmarks, history, and settings across devices. While this feature offers convenience, it may involve data transmission to Google’s servers, which could have privacy implications. Types of Data Collected Event Logs Supermium records detailed event logs that capture user interactions and browser activities. These logs help understand user behavior and diagnose potential issues.​ Recently Opened Tabs The browser maintains a history of recently opened tabs, allowing for session restoration and analysis of browsing habits.​ Number of Tabs Opened Supermium tracks the number of tabs a user opens during a session, providing insights into user engagement and browser performance.​ Usage of Web Translator The frequency and usage patterns of the built-in web translator feature are monitored to assess its utility and performance.​ Browser Usage Time The total time a user spends using the browser is recorded, offering metrics on user engagement and session lengths.​ GAIA Cookies Even if users are not logged into a Google account or using the Google Sync feature, Supermium collects GAIA cookies. These cookies are associated with Google’s authentication services and can contain unique identifiers. Storage and Persistence of Data The collected data is stored in the browser’s user data directory, particularly in files like the file. Importantly, this data is not deleted when users clear their browsing data. Additionally, specific metrics, such as the timestamp of when browsing data was removed, are also recorded. User Control and Privacy Concerns As of the latest updates, Supermium does not provide users with an option to opt-out or turn off the collection of browser metrics and statistics. This lack of control has raised privacy concerns among users, especially since the data is collected and stored without explicit user consent. Developer’s Response and Future Plans In response to user concerns, the developer acknowledged that Supermium does not utilize the collected data and committed to removing the generation of user data metrics. Subsequent updates have addressed this issue by eliminating the collection of such data and aligning the browser’s practices more closely with user privacy expectations. Storage and Usage of Collected Data Storage Location Supermium stores user data within the directory. This directory contains various files and subdirectories that hold user-specific information, including browsing history, bookmarks, and settings. The exact location of this directory can vary based on the operating system and installation path. For instance, on Windows systems, it is typically found within the directory. ​ The ‘Preferences’ File Within the ‘User Data’ directory, the ‘Preferences’ file plays a crucial role. This JSON-formatted file stores a wide range of user preferences and settings, such as:​ These entries help the browser maintain its state and provide a consistent user experience across sessions.​ Persistence of Data A notable aspect of Supermium’s data storage is that specific metrics and statistics are not deleted when a user clears their browsing data. As highlighted in discussions on GitHub, these data points, including timestamps of when browsing data was removed, remain in the ‘Preferences’ file. This behavior has raised privacy concerns among users, as it implies that some user activity is retained beyond standard data-clearing operations. User Control Over Data Collection Initially, Supermium did not provide users with an option to opt-out or turn off the collection of browser metrics and statistics. This lack of control raised privacy concerns among users, especially since the data was collected and stored without explicit user consent. ​ In response to user feedback, the developer of Supermium acknowledged that the collected metrics and statistics were not utilized by the browser and committed to removing the generation of such user data metrics. Subsequent updates have addressed this issue by eliminating the collection of such data and aligning the browser’s practices more closely with user privacy expectations. Comparison with Other Browsers Supermium’s data collection practices initially mirrored those of Google Chrome, collecting various browser metrics and statistics. However, unlike Chrome, which uses this data for analytics and service improvements, Supermium did not utilize the collected data. This discrepancy highlighted the need for Supermium to align its data collection practices with its privacy-focused goals. ​ In contrast, browsers like Brave and Firefox prioritize user privacy by implementing features such as built-in ad and tracker blocking, fingerprinting protection, and enhanced tracking protection. These browsers offer users greater control over their data and are transparent about their data collection practices. Community Feedback and Developer Response The Supermium community expressed concerns regarding the collection of browser metrics and statistics, emphasizing the lack of user control over this data collection. In response, the developer acknowledged that the collected data was not used by Supermium and committed to removing the generation of such user data metrics. This proactive approach demonstrated the developer’s commitment to addressing user concerns and enhancing the browser’s privacy features. Recommendations for Users Concerned About Privacy For users who prioritize privacy, consider the following recommendations:Use Privacy-Focused Browsers: Browsers like Brave and Firefox offer robust privacy features, including tracker blocking and enhanced privacy controls. ​Install Privacy Extensions: Extensions such as uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, and HTTPS Everywhere can improve privacy by blocking trackers and enforcing secure connections. ​Regularly Review Browser Settings: Periodically check and adjust browser settings to ensure they align with your privacy preferences.​ Stay Informed: Follow updates and community discussions related to your browser to stay informed about privacy practices and features. Conclusion ​Supermium, a Chromium-based browser for legacy Windows systems, initially collected various user metrics without providing opt-out options, raising