A method and apparatus for centrally managing operation of browsers on client devices within an organization or other collection of users. A central server promulgates a central browser policy for application by agents executing on the client devices. The agents may operate in real-time as a browser executes (e.g., as browser extensions) and/or when the browser is inactive (e.g., as separate processes). The agents apply the central policy to block, remove or modify browser objects as required by the policy (e.g., to protect privacy), archive browser objects on the central server, create objects regulated by the organization (e.g., for browser pre-caching), etc. Because the policy is centrally customized but locally executed, it can be implemented on mobile devices even when those devices are remote from the organization.