Google’s Fingerprinting Returns In 8 Weeks And It Will Track Your Devices
Google’s Fingerprinting Returns In 8 Weeks And It Will Track Your Devices
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:
- home improvement stores
- car dealerships
- some big box retailers
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.
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).
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.
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?
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
Someone needs to answer this
Also in the EU?
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.
That's great
privacy-enhancing technologies
Ahh yes, of course!
If you are worried about privacy, you shouldn't use Google anyway. I write this from a deoogled android custom rom