A privacy enhancement, ‘Locked Mode’ has been introduced to Opera Mini to enable PIN-protected browsing and boost privacy protections.
The move addresses the needs of mobile users who have requested increased password protection features, particularly when sharing devices with family or friends.
The Locked Mode allows users to set a PIN that is independent from the device’s main lock code, which secures their tabs, history, and stored data, thus granting them greater control over their mobile browsing.
According to a statement by the company, users can now share their phone with family and friends, comfortable in the knowledge that data and browsing history are private and accessible only to them.
It noted that a simple switch allows users to toggle between regular browsing and Locked Mode, which ensures that sensitive personal information, like medical or financial statements, remains truly private.
“Opera Mini’s new PIN-Locked Browsing and PrivateDownloads redefine how users experience the web on shared devices, ensuring that personal information remains personal. By focusing on what users need most – privacy and security – Opera Mini is setting new standards in mobile browsing,” said Jorgen Arnesen, EVP of Mobile at Opera.
He added that the commitment is to transform user interactions on shared devices, thereby building a foundation of trust and reliability that stands at the forefront of the mobile industry.
“Unlike in most browsers, Opera Mini users will be prompted to set a unique PIN that is different to their device PIN when activating Locked Mode for the first time. This enhances control over privacy, particularly for users who are prone to sharing an unlocked device with friends and family.
“Once Locked Mode is activated, all new tabs opened and data entered – such as URLs and search queries – are encrypted. These tabs and data are visible only when Locked Mode is active and unlocked with the correct PIN. Furthermore, the browsing history within Locked Mode remains inaccessible from the standard browsing mode, ensuring that any sites visited or searches made are kept private and visible only when Locked Mode is re-entered.
“Users can activate Locked Mode from the O-Menu or through the tabs switcher view in Opera Mini, allowing for an easy switch between standard and secure browsing modes.
“Opera’s commitment to privacy is a response to clear user preferences. Brand surveys in markets such as Nigeria and Kenya show that privacy is the primary factor driving browswither selection, with more than 90 per cent of users citing it as crucial. PIN-Locked Browsing directly addresses these concerns, offering a solution that prevents unauthorised access and ensures that personal information remains confidential.”
