Fingerprinting is a technique used by advertisers to track Internet users. — AFP Relaxnews
Google has introduced a new method of tracking Internet users called “fingerprinting”. This technique makes it possible to uniquely identify an Internet user based on the technical specifications of their device and browser, as an alternative to traditional cookies.
Fingerprinting is a technique that consists of collecting various types of information transmitted directly by your browser when you visit a website. This data includes, among other things, the version of your operating system, your screen resolution, your time zone, the type of web browser you use and your IP address. The combination of all these elements creates your digital "fingerprint” without the need to store any data on your device.
In this regard, the French data protection authority (CNIL) points out that this information, if there is enough of it, can be used to identify Internet users and track them in a similar way to cookies. This technique is now used by advertisers and companies that want to track the behaviour of Internet users in order to serve them targeted advertising.
In theory, the user should be clearly informed of the purposes of the processing of their data and must be able to accept or refuse the use of fingerprinting with the same degree of simplicity. Unfortunately, this is almost never the case, which inevitably raises major questions about the protection of user privacy. While the process is not new, its adoption by Google will inevitably change the game.
The mechanisms for managing or blocking cookies do not allow this technique to be opposed. Unlike cookies, which can be deleted or blocked by the user, fingerprinting leaves no trace on the user's device. Firefox is currently the only browser to offer protection against this type of tracking.
To activate it, go to Settings, then Privacy & Security. In the Enhanced Tracking Protection section, choose Custom, then check the Known fingerprinters and Suspected fingerprinters options to block fingerprinting scripts. Note, however, that in some cases this may block access to the content of certain websites. – AFP Relaxnews
