Google’s Fingerprinting Returns In 8 Weeks And It Will Track Your Devices
Digital fingerprinting is suddenly back and it will be everywhere—here's what you need to know.
I don’t use google stuff rn so…
Not even Google maps since I had an ad placed in my route so it clicked the ad while I was selecting which route to take. Bu bye
Me neither, but I guess the tracking will also take place when you just browse the internet and visit websites, that have Google Ad Tracking technologies implemented (which could be the majority of websites). Tracking and Ad-Blockers like uBlock might help a bit, though.
The specifics are complex—these are the algorithms that ingest all the data signals you give off when browsing the internet on any device, some based on who you are—device, IP and credential identifiers, but also the sites you visit and apps you use as a map to be followed and analyzed.
I've been using Noscript on firefox for a while. It basically blocks any JavaScript (and other stuff) unless you specifically allow it. It's not something that I would recommend for a casual user, because it breaks lots of sites. By using it, I've discovered how much nonessential stuff is jammed into your browser. Most of it is analytics and tracking. One home improvement store has over 25 scripts when less than a quarter are needed for a functioning site.
Some of the biggest offenders: offenders:
Also, a shoutout to decentraleyes, a plugin to use local copies of JavaScript code so that it's not downloaded (and reported back to) Google.
Use Organic Maps
Second that, it's great!
What's scary is all of the ways they can track you even without your browser actively cooperating. For example, they can create an HTML5 canvas, render a bunch of shapes, and then probe individual pixels to get a read on your graphics card and drivers. The EFF has a very educational test you can subject your browser to in order to see how easy it is to fingerprint it based on these kinds of things.
Kind of surprised to see that Brave does much better in this test than Firefox with extensions (on Android)
Oh God, wait for the downvotes....
Seriously, this is the reason I started using Brave.
This test just keeps refreshing infinitely
What are realistic ways to protect ourselves?
Use alternative browsers (Safari, Firefox) and alternative platforms (iOS, GrapheneOS).
Presumably combined with Tor or a VPN or multiple ISPs.
I've had some internal struggles on this. Have used graphene for a long time and the last phone completely avoided using any G products (not even sandboxed) but still worry about the hardware, especially with the new AI chips. Can't imagine that the ability to fingerprint using their hardware isn't available.
So I vacillate between Fairphone/PinePhone with Linux or just anonymity through the masses with iOS. It sucks, the whole turn. Either get a fully functional smartphone and pick your poison or use a limited or dumb phone but know your smart TV/car/computer/etc will still be there for vulnerability.
Not sure there is. Dimensionality of the trackble elements is very high. All of them have to either be the same or fuzzed across large groups of users.
it can be fixed but would require herculean engineering efforts, the biggest problem atm is the canvas. most of the other things can be fixed via defaults that are returned to the webapps unless explicit permission to access them is granted. like there is never a reason to return errors for session storage if its disable. just return a memory implementation that doesn't persist beyond the window life. little changes like that would go a long way to removing the bits of information.
Use browsers like Cromite, Iridium, Waterfox, Betterfox, Firedragon, Tor, Vanadium. Disabke fingerprinting in hidden settings or in about:config. Don't install too much extensions, if you can, none. That can be used to fingerprint you. If you don't have the need, disable javascript and webassembly. Change your useragent to something very common
I thought they were already doing this... what's new now?
Someone needs to answer this
I wouldn‘t know, but could be it says something about that in the attached hyperlink.
I ain't clicking Forbes slop lol
Nice try tjo
Also in the EU?
yes, it is just a change to the policy of the methods of identification publishers and advertisers can use that involve Google products, so it applies everywhere regardless.
Probably. Very little will stop a mega from making money. Fines are budgeted as the cost of doing business.
Well, EU at least start to fine above a billion: https://www.enforcementtracker.com/
I'm on grapheneOS using Ironfox (fork of Mull because it's been killed off), I should be safe, right?
No. They are fingerprinting you when you use Google services, including Google ads on other sites.
IronFox enabled RFP. I'm guessing it is somewhat safe. Either that or Brave Browser but I understand if you prefer avoid using Eich's software.
I wonder how it is deployed. If client side then uBlock Origin or NoScript might avoid.
That's great
No one is safe
privacy-enhancing technologies
Ahh yes, of course!
I strongly recommended installing EFF's Privacy Badger on your and your relatives browsers.
This stops many trackers, and causes less side effects and less breakages than most filters (unlock et all).
If you have uBlock Origin then Privacy Badger is redundant. Also, more extensions = easier fingerprinting.
Privacy Badger focus on blocking trackers. uBlock origin blocks all kind of things Ads,Trackers,etc and so it have a higher risk of breaking sites.
Yes, they're mostly redundant. Happy uBlock Origin users should probably keep using just uBlock. People who don't use uBlock to avoid breaking websites, or just want to block trackers, should use Privacy Badger.
Another option if you wish to protect your whole network is to set up something like pi-hole or AdGuard. I recently set up pi-hole on our network. I’m shocked by the amount of blocked traffic coming from phones and windows machines. Don’t even get me started on the traffic from our smart tv.
If you are worried about privacy, you shouldn't use Google anyway. I write this from a deoogled android custom rom
