A browser is still a tool, so it makes sense that you’ll want to pick the best one for the job. If you’re a human who needs to work to survive, you’ll need a fast internet browser. One thing to keep in mind is a browser that runs third-party trackers is more likely to be slower than a browser that doesn’t. Third-party trackers are cookies, and while you can’t see them, they are running in the background of the site, taking up precious time. The more third-party trackers a browser blocks, the faster it can run.

A browser is still a tool, so it makes sense that you’ll want to pick the best one for the job. If you’re a human who needs to work to survive, you’ll need a fast internet browser. One thing to keep in mind is a browser that runs third-party trackers is more likely to be slower than a browser that doesn’t. Third-party trackers are cookies, and while you can’t see them, they are running in the background of the site, taking up precious time. The more third-party trackers a browser blocks, the faster it can run.

Privacy on the web is a hot button issue. If privacy is number one on your list of priorities, you want to look for a browser that takes that seriously. When choosing the best private browser for you, look at the tracking policy and how a browser handles your data. These seem like technical questions, but they’re the reason some browsers are more private than others.

Privacy on the web is a hot button issue. If privacy is number one on your list of priorities, you want to look for a browser that takes that seriously. When choosing the best private browser for you, look at the tracking policy and how a browser handles your data. These seem like technical questions, but they’re the reason some browsers are more private than others.

Take control of your browser.

Take control of your browser.

Install { -brand-name-firefox } as a { -brand-name-linux } app: going this route takes a few more steps, but it’s worth it. When you install the { -brand-name-firefox } browser as a { -brand-name-linux } app, you get the { -brand-name-firefox } desktop browser and all the benefits that come with, including Enhanced Tracking Protection, a built-in password manager, access to thousands of add-ons (including UBlock Origin ad blocker), and themes to customize the look of your browser. <a { $url }>Learn more about installing { -brand-name-firefox } desktop browser for { -brand-name-chromebook }.</a>

Install { -brand-name-firefox } as a { -brand-name-linux } app: going this route takes a few more steps, but it’s worth it. When you install the { -brand-name-firefox } browser as a { -brand-name-linux } app, you get the { -brand-name-firefox } desktop browser and all the benefits that come with, including Enhanced Tracking Protection, a built-in password manager, access to thousands of add-ons (including UBlock Origin ad blocker), and themes to customize the look of your browser. <a { $url }>Learn more about installing { -brand-name-firefox } desktop browser for { -brand-name-chromebook }.</a>

Take control of your browser.

Take control of your browser.

A web browser takes you anywhere on the internet, letting you see text, images and video from anywhere in the world.

A web browser takes you anywhere on the internet, letting you see text, images and video from anywhere in the world.

A web browser takes you anywhere on the internet. It retrieves information from other parts of the web and displays it on your desktop or mobile device. The information is transferred using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which defines how text, images and video are transmitted on the web. This information needs to be shared and displayed in a consistent format so that people using any browser, anywhere in the world can see the information.

A web browser takes you anywhere on the internet. It retrieves information from other parts of the web and displays it on your desktop or mobile device. The information is transferred using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which defines how text, images and video are transmitted on the web. This information needs to be shared and displayed in a consistent format so that people using any browser, anywhere in the world can see the information.

Go from your phone to your laptop, tablet and back without skipping a beat. With { -brand-name-firefox } on all your devices, you can take your bookmarks, passwords, saved logins and browsing history wherever you go.

Go from your phone to your laptop, tablet and back without skipping a beat. With { -brand-name-firefox } on all your devices, you can take your bookmarks, passwords, saved logins and browsing history wherever you go.

Take private mode to the next level

Take private mode to the next level

Add { -brand-name-firefox } across your devices for secure, seamless browsing. Sync your devices to take your favorite bookmarks, saved logins, passwords and browsing history wherever you go. Plus, send open tabs between your phone and desktop to pick up where you left off.

Add { -brand-name-firefox } across your devices for secure, seamless browsing. Sync your devices to take your favorite bookmarks, saved logins, passwords and browsing history wherever you go. Plus, send open tabs between your phone and desktop to pick up where you left off.

Keep what’s personal private without sacrificing blazing fast speed. Plus, smart browsing features give you the power to take your privacy, passwords and bookmarks with you safely wherever you go, making your life online easier.

Keep what’s personal private without sacrificing blazing fast speed. Plus, smart browsing features give you the power to take your privacy, passwords and bookmarks with you safely wherever you go, making your life online easier.

Take control of your browser.

Take control of your browser.

Take a browse on the wild side.

Take a browse on the wild side.

In some cases, an ad blocker can help your browser go faster. When an ad is loading, it can slow down a website. At the same time, it takes longer to find what you’re looking for if you’re too busy closing yet another ad.

In some cases, an ad blocker can help your browser go faster. When an ad is loading, it can slow down a website. At the same time, it takes longer to find what you’re looking for if you’re too busy closing yet another ad.

Take a bite out of cookies

Take a bite out of cookies

Every computer program you run takes up some memory. If your computer is low on memory, this can cause… a…… significant………… slow down. { -brand-name-firefox } aims for a balance – using enough memory to let you browse smoothly and leaving plenty of memory to keep your computer responsive.

Every computer program you run takes up some memory. If your computer is low on memory, this can cause… a…… significant………… slow down. { -brand-name-firefox } aims for a balance – using enough memory to let you browse smoothly and leaving plenty of memory to keep your computer responsive.

{ -brand-name-firefox } is a multi-process browser, which means that your tabs stay fresh and won’t take forever to reload. With 86% less lag time, you can switch quickly between tabs even when your little inner voice says you have waaay too many tabs open.

{ -brand-name-firefox } is a multi-process browser, which means that your tabs stay fresh and won’t take forever to reload. With 86% less lag time, you can switch quickly between tabs even when your little inner voice says you have waaay too many tabs open.

{ -brand-name-firefox } can automatically fill in your saved username and password. If you have more than one login for a site, you can just select the account you want and we’ll take it from there.

{ -brand-name-firefox } can automatically fill in your saved username and password. If you have more than one login for a site, you can just select the account you want and we’ll take it from there.

Watch a lecture or meeting while you take notes

Watch a lecture or meeting while you take notes

{ -brand-name-mozilla } (the maker of { -brand-name-firefox }) takes privacy very seriously. <strong>Very seriously</strong>. In fact, every { -brand-name-firefox } product we make honors our <a href="{ $url }">Personal Data Promise</a>: Take less. Keep it safe. No secrets.

{ -brand-name-mozilla } (the maker of { -brand-name-firefox }) takes privacy very seriously. <strong>Very seriously</strong>. In fact, every { -brand-name-firefox } product we make honors our <a href="{ $url }">Personal Data Promise</a>: Take less. Keep it safe. No secrets.

A web browser takes you anywhere on the internet, letting you see text, images and video from anywhere in the world.

A web browser takes you anywhere on the internet, letting you see text, images and video from anywhere in the world.

As the internet grows and changes, { -brand-name-firefox } continues to focus on your right to privacy — we call it the <a { $attrs }>Personal Data Promise</a>: Take less. Keep it safe. No secrets. Your data, your web activity, your life online is protected with { -brand-name-firefox }.

As the internet grows and changes, { -brand-name-firefox } continues to focus on your right to privacy — we call it the <a { $attrs }>Personal Data Promise</a>: Take less. Keep it safe. No secrets. Your data, your web activity, your life online is protected with { -brand-name-firefox }.

{ -brand-name-firefox } is available on all your devices; take your tabs, history and bookmarks with you. All you need is a <a { $attrs }>{ -brand-name-mozilla-account }</a> and you’ll get access to syncing and more { -brand-name-mozilla } products.

{ -brand-name-firefox } is available on all your devices; take your tabs, history and bookmarks with you. All you need is a <a { $attrs }>{ -brand-name-mozilla-account }</a> and you’ll get access to syncing and more { -brand-name-mozilla } products.

Take your privacy with you everywhere. { -brand-name-firefox-browsers } for { -brand-name-ios } and { -brand-name-android } have the same strong privacy settings to block trackers from following you around the web, no matter where you are.

Take your privacy with you everywhere. { -brand-name-firefox-browsers } for { -brand-name-ios } and { -brand-name-android } have the same strong privacy settings to block trackers from following you around the web, no matter where you are.

Thanks for using the latest { -brand-name-firefox } browser. When you choose { -brand-name-firefox }, you support a better web for you and everyone else. Now take the next step to protect yourself.

Thanks for using the latest { -brand-name-firefox } browser. When you choose { -brand-name-firefox }, you support a better web for you and everyone else. Now take the next step to protect yourself.

Select what to take from { -brand-name-chrome }.

Select what to take from { -brand-name-chrome }.

Take the next step to protect your privacy online with the { -brand-name-firefox } family of products.

Take the next step to protect your privacy online with the { -brand-name-firefox } family of products.

This Cybersecurity Month, take 20% off { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }

This Cybersecurity Month, take 20% off { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }

Usually takes 2–3 minutes

Usually takes 2–3 minutes

Usually takes 2–3 minutes

Usually takes 2–3 minutes

Usually takes 2–3 minutes

Usually takes 2–3 minutes

Usually takes 2–3 minutes

Usually takes 2–3 minutes

Take it all with you

Take it all with you

Take privacy with you on every device — and leave the data trackers behind.

Take privacy with you on every device — and leave the data trackers behind.

When you choose { -brand-name-firefox }, you support a better web for you and everyone else. Now take the next step to protect yourself.

When you choose { -brand-name-firefox }, you support a better web for you and everyone else. Now take the next step to protect yourself.

See if you’ve been involved in known online data breaches and take action to resolve them.

See if you’ve been involved in known online data breaches and take action to resolve them.

Take your stand against an industry that’s selling your data to third parties. Stay smart and safe online with technology that fights for you.

Take your stand against an industry that’s selling your data to third parties. Stay smart and safe online with technology that fights for you.

We fund and invest in the people and efforts taking technology, the internet and AI in the right direction.

We fund and invest in the people and efforts taking technology, the internet and AI in the right direction.

To report violations of the Community Participation Guidelines <strong>in { -brand-name-mozilla }’s communities</strong>, please click the “Report” button below. For more information on how to take and give a report, please read “<a href="{ $howto }">How to Report</a>”.

To report violations of the Community Participation Guidelines <strong>in { -brand-name-mozilla }’s communities</strong>, please click the “Report” button below. For more information on how to take and give a report, please read “<a href="{ $howto }">How to Report</a>”.

To report violations of the Community Participation Guidelines <strong>in { -brand-name-mozilla }’s communities</strong>, please write to <a href="{ $mailto_report }">cpg-report@mozilla.com</a>. For more information on how to take and give a report, please read “<a href="{ $howto }">How to Report</a>”.

To report violations of the Community Participation Guidelines <strong>in { -brand-name-mozilla }’s communities</strong>, please write to <a href="{ $mailto_report }">cpg-report@mozilla.com</a>. For more information on how to take and give a report, please read “<a href="{ $howto }">How to Report</a>”.

Reports of harassment/discrimination will be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the people responsible for the safety of the space, event or activity. Appropriate measures will be taken to address the situation.

Reports of harassment/discrimination will be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the people responsible for the safety of the space, event or activity. Appropriate measures will be taken to address the situation.

Seek diverse perspectives. Diversity of views and of people on teams powers innovation, even if it is not always comfortable. Encourage all voices. Help new perspectives be heard and listen actively. If you find yourself dominating a discussion, it is especially important to step back and encourage other voices to join in. Be aware of how much time is taken up by dominant members of the group. Provide alternative ways to contribute or participate when possible.

Seek diverse perspectives. Diversity of views and of people on teams powers innovation, even if it is not always comfortable. Encourage all voices. Help new perspectives be heard and listen actively. If you find yourself dominating a discussion, it is especially important to step back and encourage other voices to join in. Be aware of how much time is taken up by dominant members of the group. Provide alternative ways to contribute or participate when possible.

Value each other’s ideas, styles and viewpoints. We may not always agree, but disagreement is no excuse for poor manners. Be open to different possibilities and to being wrong. Be respectful in all interactions and communications, especially when debating the merits of different options. Be aware of your impact and how intense interactions may be affecting people. Be direct, constructive and positive. Take responsibility for your impact and your mistakes – if someone says they have been harmed through your words or actions, listen carefully, apologize sincerely, and correct the behavior going forward.

Value each other’s ideas, styles and viewpoints. We may not always agree, but disagreement is no excuse for poor manners. Be open to different possibilities and to being wrong. Be respectful in all interactions and communications, especially when debating the merits of different options. Be aware of your impact and how intense interactions may be affecting people. Be direct, constructive and positive. Take responsibility for your impact and your mistakes – if someone says they have been harmed through your words or actions, listen carefully, apologize sincerely, and correct the behavior going forward.

While these guidelines / code of conduct are specifically aimed at { -brand-name-mozilla }’s work and community, we recognize that it is possible for actions taken outside of { -brand-name-mozilla }’s online or in person spaces to have a deep impact on community health. (For example, in the past, we publicly identified an anonymous posting aimed at a { -brand-name-mozilla } employee in a non-{ -brand-name-mozilla } forum as clear grounds for removal from the { -brand-name-mozilla } community.) This is an active topic in the diversity and inclusion realm. We anticipate wide-ranging discussions among our communities about appropriate boundaries.

While these guidelines / code of conduct are specifically aimed at { -brand-name-mozilla }’s work and community, we recognize that it is possible for actions taken outside of { -brand-name-mozilla }’s online or in person spaces to have a deep impact on community health. (For example, in the past, we publicly identified an anonymous posting aimed at a { -brand-name-mozilla } employee in a non-{ -brand-name-mozilla } forum as clear grounds for removal from the { -brand-name-mozilla } community.) This is an active topic in the diversity and inclusion realm. We anticipate wide-ranging discussions among our communities about appropriate boundaries.

Reports are handled discretely and privately, and will only be shared with the people who can investigate, respond, and advise. As part of this investigation, it may be necessary for some information to be disclosed to others, for example, to key stakeholders administering communities or events, witnesses, and the wrongdoers.

Reports are handled discretely and privately, and will only be shared with the people who can investigate, respond, and advise. As part of this investigation, it may be necessary for some information to be disclosed to others, for example, to key stakeholders administering communities or events, witnesses, and the wrongdoers.

When an investigation is complete, to the extent the wrongdoer is subject to { -brand-name-mozilla }’s control, appropriate measures will be taken to address the situation.

When an investigation is complete, to the extent the wrongdoer is subject to { -brand-name-mozilla }’s control, appropriate measures will be taken to address the situation.

Takedown requests

Takedown requests

“{ -brand-name-mozilla } is taking bets to show the world there’s a business to be made with trustworthy AI. That includes putting things like human rights, data protection and transparency at the core of how these complex systems work.”

“{ -brand-name-mozilla } is taking bets to show the world there’s a business to be made with trustworthy AI. That includes putting things like human rights, data protection and transparency at the core of how these complex systems work.”

Open your inbox (and your heart) even more — take a look at other topics we cover.

Open your inbox (and your heart) even more — take a look at other topics we cover.

It may take 1-2 business days to process your opt-out request during which time you may still receive another email.

It may take 1-2 business days to process your opt-out request during which time you may still receive another email.

Subscribe here to keep current with { -brand-name-mozilla } news, take action for a healthier internet, and get smarter about your online life.

Subscribe here to keep current with { -brand-name-mozilla } news, take action for a healthier internet, and get smarter about your online life.

Take Action for the Internet

Take Action for the Internet

Take your privacy with you

Take your privacy with you

Take speed, privacy and peace of mind with you. On { -brand-name-android } and { -brand-name-ios }.

Take speed, privacy and peace of mind with you. On { -brand-name-android } and { -brand-name-ios }.

Yes. User control is one of our data privacy principles. We put that into practice in { -brand-name-firefox } on our <a { $privacy }>privacy settings page</a>, which serves as a one-stop shop for anyone looking to take control of their privacy in { -brand-name-firefox }. You can <a { $data }>turn off data collection</a> there.

Yes. User control is one of our data privacy principles. We put that into practice in { -brand-name-firefox } on our <a { $privacy }>privacy settings page</a>, which serves as a one-stop shop for anyone looking to take control of their privacy in { -brand-name-firefox }. You can <a { $data }>turn off data collection</a> there.

Yes. User control is one of our data privacy principles. We put that into practice in { -brand-name-firefox } on our <a href="{ $settings }">privacy settings page</a>, which serves as a one-stop shop for anyone looking to take control of their privacy in { -brand-name-firefox }. You can <a href="{ $data }">turn off data collection</a> there.

Yes. User control is one of our data privacy principles. We put that into practice in { -brand-name-firefox } on our <a href="{ $settings }">privacy settings page</a>, which serves as a one-stop shop for anyone looking to take control of their privacy in { -brand-name-firefox }. You can <a href="{ $data }">turn off data collection</a> there.

Take me <a { $attrs }>back to the top</a> of the Privacy Notice

Take me <a { $attrs }>back to the top</a> of the Privacy Notice

Take control with website-specific VPN settings

Take control with website-specific VPN settings

We’ve done the legwork to ensure that both the <a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> and <a href="{ $fpn }">{ -brand-name-firefox-private-network }</a> proxy extension actually respect your privacy, and it’s something we’re willing to stake our reputation on. { -brand-name-mozilla } has a reputation for building products that help you keep your information safe. We follow our easy to read, no-nonsense <a href="{ $principles }">Data Privacy Principles</a> which allow us to focus only on the information we need to provide a service. And since we are backed by a <a href="{ $mission }">mission-driven</a> company, you can trust that the dollars you spend for this product will not only ensure you have a top-notch security, but also are making the internet better for everyone.

We’ve done the legwork to ensure that both the <a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> and <a href="{ $fpn }">{ -brand-name-firefox-private-network }</a> proxy extension actually respect your privacy, and it’s something we’re willing to stake our reputation on. { -brand-name-mozilla } has a reputation for building products that help you keep your information safe. We follow our easy to read, no-nonsense <a href="{ $principles }">Data Privacy Principles</a> which allow us to focus only on the information we need to provide a service. And since we are backed by a <a href="{ $mission }">mission-driven</a> company, you can trust that the dollars you spend for this product will not only ensure you have a top-notch security, but also are making the internet better for everyone.

We’ve done the legwork to ensure that the <a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> actually respects your privacy, and it’s something we’re willing to stake our reputation on. { -brand-name-mozilla } has a reputation for building products that help you keep your information safe. We follow our easy to read, no-nonsense <a href="{ $principles }">Data Privacy Principles</a> which allow us to focus only on the information we need to provide a service. The { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } technology is lean and modern to offer users a fast connection with full VPN protection and security. And since the makers of this VPN are backed by a <a href="{ $mission }">mission-driven</a> company, you can trust that the dollars you spend for this product will not only ensure you have a top-notch VPN, but also are making the internet better for everyone.

We’ve done the legwork to ensure that the <a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> actually respects your privacy, and it’s something we’re willing to stake our reputation on. { -brand-name-mozilla } has a reputation for building products that help you keep your information safe. We follow our easy to read, no-nonsense <a href="{ $principles }">Data Privacy Principles</a> which allow us to focus only on the information we need to provide a service. The { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } technology is lean and modern to offer users a fast connection with full VPN protection and security. And since the makers of this VPN are backed by a <a href="{ $mission }">mission-driven</a> company, you can trust that the dollars you spend for this product will not only ensure you have a top-notch VPN, but also are making the internet better for everyone.

As more of daily life takes place across internet connections, privacy and security issues become even more important. A VPN — <a href="{ $vpn }">Virtual Private Network</a> — can help anyone create a secure, private connection to the internet. It works by creating a secure “tunnel” between your device and the internet at large, and it protects you in two important ways:

As more of daily life takes place across internet connections, privacy and security issues become even more important. A VPN — <a href="{ $vpn }">Virtual Private Network</a> — can help anyone create a secure, private connection to the internet. It works by creating a secure “tunnel” between your device and the internet at large, and it protects you in two important ways:

We’ve done the legwork to ensure that the <a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> actually respects your privacy, and it’s something we’re willing to stake our reputation on. { -brand-name-mozilla } has a reputation for building products that help you keep your information safe. We follow our easy to read, no-nonsense <a href="{ $principles }">Data Privacy Principles</a> which allow us to focus only on the information we need to provide a service. And since we are backed by a <a href="{ $mission }">mission-driven</a> company, you can trust that the dollars you spend for this product will not only ensure you have a top-notch security, but also are making the internet better for everyone.

We’ve done the legwork to ensure that the <a href="{ $mozvpn }">{ -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }</a> actually respects your privacy, and it’s something we’re willing to stake our reputation on. { -brand-name-mozilla } has a reputation for building products that help you keep your information safe. We follow our easy to read, no-nonsense <a href="{ $principles }">Data Privacy Principles</a> which allow us to focus only on the information we need to provide a service. And since we are backed by a <a href="{ $mission }">mission-driven</a> company, you can trust that the dollars you spend for this product will not only ensure you have a top-notch security, but also are making the internet better for everyone.

As more of daily life takes place through the internet, online privacy and security become even more important. A VPN, <a href="{ $faq }">Virtual Private Network</a>, creates an encrypted tunnel between your devices and the internet, ensuring your connection remains secure and private while protecting you in two important ways:

As more of daily life takes place through the internet, online privacy and security become even more important. A VPN, <a href="{ $faq }">Virtual Private Network</a>, creates an encrypted tunnel between your devices and the internet, ensuring your connection remains secure and private while protecting you in two important ways:

If your goal is to protect your internet traffic while keeping a fast speed, then it’s always best to choose a server location that is as close as possible to your physical location. This will increase the reliability and speed of your connection as your internet traffic will not need to take a significant detour before arriving at its intended destination on the web.

If your goal is to protect your internet traffic while keeping a fast speed, then it’s always best to choose a server location that is as close as possible to your physical location. This will increase the reliability and speed of your connection as your internet traffic will not need to take a significant detour before arriving at its intended destination on the web.

Whether you’re at home, at work, or making up a funny name for your coffee order at the register, protecting your online security is a top priority for { -brand-name-mozilla }. Like many smart technology products, Android devices have built-in protection features that safeguard your device. With VPN for Android from { -brand-name-mozilla }, you can take security further with just a tap of your finger.

Whether you’re at home, at work, or making up a funny name for your coffee order at the register, protecting your online security is a top priority for { -brand-name-mozilla }. Like many smart technology products, Android devices have built-in protection features that safeguard your device. With VPN for Android from { -brand-name-mozilla }, you can take security further with just a tap of your finger.

Additionally, for unsupported Linux distributions, you can take and compile the source code from the <a { $attrs }>official GitHub repository</a>.

Additionally, for unsupported Linux distributions, you can take and compile the source code from the <a { $attrs }>official GitHub repository</a>.

By using { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }, you can take back control of your online activities and protect your privacy and data. Download { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } today and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee with no logs, no hassle, and no risk.

By using { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn }, you can take back control of your online activities and protect your privacy and data. Download { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } today and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee with no logs, no hassle, and no risk.

<strong>It helps restore net neutrality:</strong> { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } helps you take back control of your online activities by preventing internet providers from throttling your bandwidth, or from blocking websites or services that they don’t like, or that compete with their own offerings.

<strong>It helps restore net neutrality:</strong> { -brand-name-mozilla-vpn } helps you take back control of your online activities by preventing internet providers from throttling your bandwidth, or from blocking websites or services that they don’t like, or that compete with their own offerings.

Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. As a result, Windows devices are usually highly targeted by hackers and may be especially vulnerable if you don’t take proper precautions. You can protect your digital life by using a VPN to encrypt your online activity, as well as some other steps such as, keeping your software up to date, creating unique and strong passwords, and using { -brand-name-relay } masks to keep your email protected.

Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. As a result, Windows devices are usually highly targeted by hackers and may be especially vulnerable if you don’t take proper precautions. You can protect your digital life by using a VPN to encrypt your online activity, as well as some other steps such as, keeping your software up to date, creating unique and strong passwords, and using { -brand-name-relay } masks to keep your email protected.