One can “install” a PWA whereas one can “create a shortcut” for a web app which opens up in a browser.
What are the differences between them in terms of privacy and security?
For example,
Uber has the choice between installing a PWA or creating a shortcut.
Thank you
I think PWAs isolate cached data, and a shortcut does not. It is basically like a local storage container for just that website.
Yes, but are there any differences whatsoever in terms of blocking trackers etc between them?
Thank you
No not to my knowledge. The privacy protections are the same as your browser privacy protections (configuration, extensions etc).
To get the install option a web developer has to provide additional meta data and meet some formal requirements. The website is the same in all cases. The technology is the same and the control the user (or the users browser) has is the same.
There is actually very much a gradient from regular website to “true PWA“. Developers are pretty free to choose how much “PWA features” they actually use and how much they want their website to be an “app“.
I remember Nate (from The New Oil) trying to find PWAs to recommend and having a hard time finding any distinct PWAs. That’s because a clear distinction does not exist.