How to Disable or Enable JavaScript
Kerry Coppinger
|Cyber Risks & Threats | July 27, 2022
JavaScript is a type of internet code or developer language, that is used to enhance website experiences. JavaScript is incredibly common and is used for a variety of purposes including creating interactive elements on a webpage. However, some users may choose to disable JavaScript functionality on their browsers for a few different reasons. This article explains the reasons for disabling and enabling JavaScript and how to personalize the JS experience on a given device.
Reasons for disabling JavaScript
One reason that some people choose to disable JavaScript is that they believe that will protect them from malicious actors. This belief stems from the fact that JavaScript removes many digital elements and shows a very stripped-down version of a site. Therefore, people believe there is less likelihood they will fall victim to fraudulent pop-ups or tracking codes. However, removing JavaScript only hypothetically protects users from these very specific types of attacks – and since the internet is becoming increasingly polluted by the Fake Web – there are endless other threats that can still affect internet users even if they do not have JavaScript enabled. Furthermore, removing JavaScript can make for a confusing and overall negative user experience, and make it harder for users to access many important elements of a webpage.
How to disable JavaScript
If an internet user weighs the options and decides that they do, in fact, want to disable JavaScript on their browser, they can do so through the following steps:
- Open an internet browser
- Click on the icon intended for either the control panel or settings
- Look into advanced options for privacy and security
- Locate the JavaScript module and toggle the switch off
Reasons for enabling JavaScript
As previously mentioned, when users have JavaScript turned off, it can limit the functionality of many websites – making them much more difficult to use. Some websites may even break completely if they have a decent amount of interactive elements on their pages. Enabling JavaScript generally makes websites much easier to navigate and engage with. Additionally, savvy marketers are also beginning to block users for their sites if their JavaScript is disabled because those users typically have no ability to convert – so disabling JavaScript can cause users to end up on block lists and, therefore, become unable to access some of their favorite sites.
How to enable JavaScript
Enabling JavaScript can be done very simply by following the same steps to disable JavaScript but just ensuring the switch is turned on. Users may also choose to customize their JS experience by disabling JavaScript only on certain websites that might pose a higher risk for fraudulent activities. This can be done through “allowed” and “not allowed” lists within the JavaScript settings.
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Author
Kerry Coppinger
Senior Manager, Brand Marketing
As head of the brand marketing department at CHEQ, Kerry manages all things content and brand including: research reports, public relations, content marketing, copywriting, press, and other editorial features. Prior to her work at CHEQ, Kerry worked for several tech companies in New York.
